North Korea has detained three senior officials at its Chongjin shipyard after a high-profile launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer ended in disaster, according to state-run media outlet KCNA.
The ship, hailed as a milestone in the regime’s naval modernization, lost balance during its launch ceremony when parts of its understructure reportedly collapsed, causing it to tilt and partially submerge near shore. The vessel is now visible in satellite imagery lying on its side, partially shrouded beneath blue tarps.
Among those arrested are the shipyard’s chief engineer, head of construction, and administrative manager. KCNA said the trio bore “direct responsibility for the accident.” The yard’s top manager, Hong Kil Ho, has also been summoned by state authorities for questioning.
Leader Kim Jong Un slammed the mishap as a “criminal act” stemming from “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,” and pledged that disciplinary action would be taken during an upcoming Workers’ Party plenary session in June.
While early speculation suggested structural failure and possible hull breaches, KCNA downplayed the damage, claiming the destroyer’s starboard side was merely scratched and that a “small amount” of seawater had entered the stern. No casualties have been reported.
Public acknowledgment of such a failure is rare for Pyongyang, which typically conceals internal problems. The unusual disclosure underscores the seriousness with which the regime is treating the incident—particularly after the recent fanfare surrounding the launch of the Choe Hyon, a sister ship in Kim’s ambitious naval expansion programme.
The fate of the detained officials remains unclear, but North Korea’s history of harsh punishments for high-level failures has raised alarm among outside observers.
The failed launch is a blow to Kim’s efforts to showcase military strength amid rising tensions with South Korea and the United States, and comes as the regime pushes forward with the construction of new warships and missile-capable naval platforms.
