In a rather serious turn of events for North Korea, a newly built 5,000-ton destroyer (or warship) was severely damaged at a launch event presided over by the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
The mishap was so serious that some parts of the 5,000-ton destroyer were crushed as it tipped off balance.
According to the reports by North Korean state-owned media, there were no serious injuries or loss of lives to personnel.
However, Kim called it a “serious accident and criminal act caused by sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism which should never occur and could not be tolerated.”
North Korean warship incident
Kim has also called for the vessel to be restored as soon as possible and also to fix accountability for the incident that took place at the Chongjin Shipyard.
He said that the destroyer should be restored at any cost before the party’s meeting planned in June. According to a report by state-owned media, Kim said that the accident and its restoration were “not merely a practical issue but a political issue,” which affected the country’s image.
The report blames the “inexperienced command and operational carelessness” for the incident.
Describing the incident, the KCNA report says, “The launch slide of the stern departed first and stranded as the bogie failed to move in parallel, holes made at some sections of the warship’s bottom disrupted its balance, and the bow failed to leave the slipway, leading to a serious accident.”
He also stated that all those found responsible for the accident would be dealt with at the plenary meeting of the party.
North Korea had earlier unveiled a similar destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon in April 2025. Back then, the state-owned media had said that it was the country’s most modern vessel of this class and was equipped with powerful weapons. The unveiling was presided over by Kim and his daughter Ju Ae – who is considered by many to be his successor.
The destroyer was said to be carrying nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles alongside anti-air and anti-ship weapons. It was expected to begin operations in early 2026.
South Korea’s critic response
According to a report by The Week, South Korean experts and critics say that the incident was likely caused due to the inexperience of the personnel in handling such a large vessel and rushed through with putting it in water.
They also stated that the warship that was damaged in the accident was of similar capabilities as Choe Hyon.
The admission by North Korea of the accident has also caused a stir, as it is a rare feat. Experts from Seoul state that the admission of the accident shows that Pyongyang is serious about increasing its naval might, and any lapses will not be tolerated by the top leadership.
As of the time of writing this report, the destroyer is still lying lopsided in the waters. It will soon be taken out and sent for repairs, as per Kim’s orders.
