In a rare and dramatic public admission, North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un has strongly condemned a major accident that occurred during the launch of the country’s newest and largest warship.
The 5,000-ton destroyer, touted as a major advancement in Pyongyang’s naval ambitions, suffered a humiliating failure while being launched at a shipyard in Chongjin on May 22, 2025.
According to North Korea’s state media, KCNA, Kim Jong Un witnessed the botched launch firsthand. Visibly angered, he described the incident as a “serious accident” and a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness and unscientific practices.”
He ordered the immediate restoration of the vessel and declared that the mistake was not just a technical setback but a political embarrassment that tarnished the nation’s dignity.
Military analysts believe the ship was launched sideways—known as a side-launch—which is uncommon for vessels of this size. This method, while simpler and more cost-effective, carries high risk if not executed correctly.
Satellite images confirm the destroyer ended up lying on its side in the water after the mishap, damaging its lower hull. South Korea’s military also confirmed the accident and noted that cruise missiles were fired from a nearby area around the same time, possibly as a distraction or show of strength.
The failed launch comes just weeks after Kim attended the unveiling of a similar destroyer on North Korea’s west coast. These 5,000-ton vessels represent Pyongyang’s efforts to upgrade its maritime military capabilities with warships that can potentially carry dozens of missiles. However, this recent failure highlights the technological and infrastructural limitations the country faces.
Kim’s frustration was not only about the physical damage but also the political implications. He declared that fixing the destroyer before the upcoming Workers’ Party meeting in June is a top priority. In his view, the error has “collapsed the dignity and self-respect of our state.”
Interestingly, North Korea has a history of publicly acknowledging accidents—such as failed satellite launches or infrastructure collapses—only to later frame them as opportunities for the leadership to step in and resolve the issue. Analysts suggest this may be another attempt to reinforce Kim’s authority by portraying him as a strong leader taking swift corrective action.
The accident is particularly embarrassing given the symbolic nature of the warship launch, which was meant to demonstrate North Korea’s growing military capabilities.
Experts believe the country resorted to the side-launch technique due to limited dock space and lack of proper launching infrastructure. Without modern dry docks or floating launch platforms, North Korea remains dependent on outdated and risk-prone methods.
While North Korea continues to assert its military prowess, this incident underscores the challenges it faces in matching the capabilities of more technologically advanced nations. For now, Kim Jong Un must deal with both a damaged warship and a damaged national image.
