The North Korean government has arrested three shipyard officials after a disastrous launch of a navy destroyer that resulted in public embarrassment for Kim Jong-un. The incident, which saw the ship capsize during its launch, has sparked a swift response from the regime, highlighting the leader's intolerance for failure in military modernization efforts.
North Korea Detains Officials After Botched Navy Destroyer Launch
North Korea Detains Officials After Botched Navy Destroyer Launch
Three officials at a North Korean shipyard, including a chief engineer, face arrest following a failed naval vessel launch that prompted strong criticism from Kim Jong-un.
North Korea has arrested three shipyard officials as it investigates the failed launch of a navy destroyer last week that badly embarrassed its leader, Kim Jong-un, state media reported on Sunday. They include the chief engineer at the Chongjin shipyard in northeastern North Korea, the head of its hull-construction workshop, and a deputy manager for administrative affairs, confirmed by the official Korean Central News Agency.
The ill-fated launch, attended by Mr. Kim last Wednesday, aimed to showcase the regime's military advancements as part of ongoing efforts to modernize North Korea's naval capabilities. However, as engineers attempted to maneuver the newly built 5,000-ton destroyer into the water, the ship lost its balance. Satellite images captured post-launch showed the vessel lying on its side, partially submerged, with its bow still stuck on the ramp, leading to substantial embarrassment during an otherwise grand event.
In response to the mishap, Mr. Kim condemned the launch's failure as a "criminal act" and pledged severe consequences for those responsible, as reported by state media. This incident followed a previous successful destroyer launch in April, which took place peacefully at the Nampo port on the west coast, where engineers used a dry dock to set the vessel afloat. The stark contrast between the two events underscores the pressures of military success faced by the North Korean leadership.
The ill-fated launch, attended by Mr. Kim last Wednesday, aimed to showcase the regime's military advancements as part of ongoing efforts to modernize North Korea's naval capabilities. However, as engineers attempted to maneuver the newly built 5,000-ton destroyer into the water, the ship lost its balance. Satellite images captured post-launch showed the vessel lying on its side, partially submerged, with its bow still stuck on the ramp, leading to substantial embarrassment during an otherwise grand event.
In response to the mishap, Mr. Kim condemned the launch's failure as a "criminal act" and pledged severe consequences for those responsible, as reported by state media. This incident followed a previous successful destroyer launch in April, which took place peacefully at the Nampo port on the west coast, where engineers used a dry dock to set the vessel afloat. The stark contrast between the two events underscores the pressures of military success faced by the North Korean leadership.
