North Korea has taken severe measures following a failed destroyer launch that embarrassed leader Kim Jong-un, indicating a crackdown on those perceived as responsible for the botched event.
**North Korea's Ship Launch Failure Leads to Arrests Amid Kim's Displeasure**
**North Korea's Ship Launch Failure Leads to Arrests Amid Kim's Displeasure**
Three shipyard executives detained after a naval destroyer's launch mishap during a public ceremony.
North Korea has reportedly detained three key officials from a shipyard following a disastrous launch of a navy destroyer that left leader Kim Jong-un furious. The arrests were confirmed by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, which identified the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, along with the head of its hull-construction workshop and an administrative deputy manager, as those held accountable.
The mishap, which occurred during an impressive launch ceremony, saw the newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer struggling to enter the water. Images captured post-incident depicted the vessel toppled sideways, its stern submerged while the bow remained precariously on the ramp, suggesting poor engineering execution despite the high stakes of the event.
Onlookers, including Mr. Kim, had gathered to celebrate what was supposed to showcase a significant advancement in North Korea's naval capabilities. However, the failure was described by Kim as a "criminal act", hinting at the high expectations placed on military advancements meant to demonstrate the regime's modernization efforts.
This naval launch was intended to be the second in a month, following a successful debut in April at Nampo port. That launch had showcased a more typical process, with the ship afloat through a controlled dry-dock water release. The stark contrast between the two outcomes has heightened scrutiny on North Korea's military operations and internal accountability measures.
The mishap, which occurred during an impressive launch ceremony, saw the newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer struggling to enter the water. Images captured post-incident depicted the vessel toppled sideways, its stern submerged while the bow remained precariously on the ramp, suggesting poor engineering execution despite the high stakes of the event.
Onlookers, including Mr. Kim, had gathered to celebrate what was supposed to showcase a significant advancement in North Korea's naval capabilities. However, the failure was described by Kim as a "criminal act", hinting at the high expectations placed on military advancements meant to demonstrate the regime's modernization efforts.
This naval launch was intended to be the second in a month, following a successful debut in April at Nampo port. That launch had showcased a more typical process, with the ship afloat through a controlled dry-dock water release. The stark contrast between the two outcomes has heightened scrutiny on North Korea's military operations and internal accountability measures.
