Kim Jong Un Decries 'Serious Accident' During Warship Launch in North Korea**

Kim Jong Un criticized a catastrophic incident during the launch of a new destroyer, attributing it to negligence, and signaled potential repercussions for those responsible in a nation known for strict control.**

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly condemned a "serious accident" that took place during the launch of a new warship on Thursday. He described the mishap as a "criminal act" that has severely tarnished the nation's pride and dignity. According to state media reports, the 5,000-ton destroyer encountered issues when its bottom was crushed, causing the ship to lose its balance.

Present at the launch, Kim has mandated that the warship be repaired ahead of an important political gathering set for June. He also emphasized that individuals responsible for the design flaws leading to this incident must face accountability, as he criticized their "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism".

Reports did not mention any injuries related to the accident, which unfolded at a shipyard in Chongjin on North Korea's eastern coast. Kim's strong remarks about the accident signal a rare acknowledgment from the regime regarding domestic failures, as it is atypical for North Korea to publicly disclose local mishaps.

Historically, the government has not hesitated to assign blame in instances of failure; for instance, in November, officials were critiqued for a mid-air explosion of a military satellite described as a "gravest failure". With an exception of a few instances, accidents are seldom disclosed by the regime.

Just weeks prior to this incident, North Korea showcased a new destroyer designed to carry over 70 missiles, which Kim hailed as a significant advancement in the modernization of the country’s naval capabilities. The warship is projected to be operational by early next year, reflecting North Korea's ongoing focus on bolstering its military prowess.