Kathrine Frich
He promised harsh punishment for those responsible
He promised harsh punishment for those responsible
Vessel Sinks Before Kim’s Eyes
What was meant to be a bold display of military might quickly turned into a national embarrassment for North Korea.
In a televised ceremony attended by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, a brand-new warship sank moments after launch, prompting furious calls for punishment.
Kim Jong-Un’s Fury Erupts
The 5,000-ton destroyer was unveiled at the Chongjin Shipyard on May 21, with Kim present to witness what should’ve been a crowning moment.
Instead, a mechanical failure triggered a launch disaster, and the vessel was damaged before even hitting open water.
Launch Mechanism Malfunctions
Reports say the launch process was “botched” due to an early release of the stern sled, which caused the ship’s front to get stuck and severely damaged the hull.
The spectacle ended in stunned silence and total chaos behind the scenes.
Kim Calls It a “Criminal Act”
According to state media, Kim was “enraged” and publicly condemned the incident as a “serious accident” and a “criminal act caused by pure carelessness.”
He promised harsh punishment for those responsible and signaled that a purge of top officials may be imminent.
Central Committee to Decide the Fate of the ‘Guilty’
Kim made it clear that those who failed in their duties “will not avoid being dealt with.”
The matter will be addressed formally at the next Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee, and multiple institutions are reportedly under investigation.
Military Pride Sinks with the Ship
The failed launch has embarrassed North Korea at a time when it is desperately trying to project strength.
Instead of bolstering national pride, the incident has exposed weaknesses in the regime’s military-industrial capabilities.
Workers Ordered to Repair Ship Before June Meeting
Kim ordered Chongjin and Rajin shipyard workers to begin immediate repairs, stressing that the vessel must be restored before the next political summit.
He called on them to demonstrate “ardent patriotic loyalty and labour devotion.”