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North Korea Detains Shipyard Staff After Destroyer Launch Failure

Kim Jong Un calls the mishap a 'criminal act' as investigations intensify and repairs are expedited for the damaged warship.

A satellite image shows a North Korean warship covered with a blue tarp after an accident that occurred during its launch at the shipyard in Chongjin, North Korea, May 23, 2025. 2025 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT
Image
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ceremony for the launch of a "new multipurpose destroyer," as per state media KCNA's reports, in Nampo, North Korea, in this handout picture released on April 26, 2025, by the Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA./File Photo

Overview

  • A failed side-launch of North Korea's second 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer caused the vessel to topple, crushing parts of its hull and leaving it listing at Chongjin shipyard.
  • Kim Jong Un has labeled the incident a result of 'absolute carelessness' and ordered investigations, leading to the detention of three senior shipyard staff and questioning of the shipyard manager.
  • KCNA reported localized damage, with scratches on the starboard side and minor water ingress, but no breaches to the bottom of the warship.
  • The vessel, part of North Korea’s naval modernization program, is expected to be repaired within ten days, with plans to operationalize the Choe Hyon-class destroyers by early next year.
  • The accident highlights challenges in Pyongyang's push for nuclear-capable naval forces, amid suspected Russian technical support and heightened regional tensions.