State media reports that Kim Jong-un has called for the ship to be repaired by June.
North Korean media outlets announced a “serious accident” that occurred on Wednesday during the attempted launch of a 5,000-ton naval destroyer.
Kim Jong-un, the nation’s leader, was present at the Chongjin Shipyard for the side-launch ceremony. News sources indicate that he witnessed the incident and issued a strong condemnation.
Reports suggest that the ship’s stern slide system activated prematurely, leading to a failure of parallel slide movement and damage to the vessel. Officials blamed the incident on “inexperienced command and operational carelessness.”
Kim denounced the accident as an inexcusable act of criminal negligence and ordered immediate repairs. He mandated that the warship be fully restored before the Workers’ Party of Korea’s significant meeting in June. The government is said to view the failure as a politically damaging event that could harm the country’s international reputation.
Pyongyang has not released any photos or video footage of the incident.
South Korea’s military has confirmed that it is monitoring the destroyer’s construction and has stated that the ship appeared to be partially overturned after the failed launch.
© KCNA
Last month, North Korea introduced the Choe Hyon, a new destroyer, and shortly after conducted a weapons demonstration. According to reports, the warship launched cruise missiles designed to hit targets at varying distances, as well as an anti-aircraft missile and a 127mm automatic gun during the test.
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