In a rare public acknowledgment of a mishap, Kim Jong Un has expressed his disapproval over a "serious accident" that occurred during the launch of a new 5,000-ton warship in the eastern city of Chongjin. The incident has resulted in significant damage to the vessel, severely undermining national pride, according to state media reports. Kim described the accident as a "criminal act" stemming from "absolute carelessness and irresponsibility" and is calling for those involved in the design and execution of the launch to face consequences.

Present during the launch, Kim emphasized the need for a swift restoration of the warship before an important party meeting scheduled for next month. While no injuries were reported from the incident, the North Korean regime does not typically disclose local accidents, making this admission particularly noteworthy.

Historically, the regime has been quick to assign blame for failures; a previous satellite launch was referred to as a “gravest failure,” with officials criticized for their lack of diligence. Just weeks prior to this incident, North Korea had proudly showcased its new destroyer, touted as a significant advancement in its naval warfare capabilities. Under Kim's leadership, North Korea continues to emphasize military enhancements amid a backdrop of stringent control over the society.