Disastrous Launch of North Korean Warship Under Kim Jong-un’s Watch

A North Korean warship launch turned disastrous in front of Kim Jong-un, who criticized the incident harshly. A coordination failure led to the ship sinking during the ceremony. Kim emphasized that accountability was necessary, and restoration of the ship is a matter of national dignity, demanding urgency from workers involved.

In a startling incident, a North Korean warship launch devolved into chaos as the ship sunk during the event, all while Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un watched. This event took place at the Cheongjin Shipyard on May 21, according to reports from the Korean Central News Agency, which covered the high-profile unveiling of the large 5,000-ton warship that was meant to symbolize national pride.

The ceremony escalated quickly from celebration to disaster as launching procedures fell apart. Coordination failures led to the stern sled releasing too early, resulting in the bow being irretrievably stuck, thus crippling the entire launch. Observers reported that the ship’s balance was severely compromised, leading to damage to the hull and causing an embarrassing halt to the launch process before it had even truly begun.

An evidently displeased Kim Jong-un did not mask his displeasure. In a pointed critique, he called the incident a “serious accident that could not have happened, could not be tolerated,” labeling it a “criminal act caused by pure carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” The implications of this debacle extend far beyond the immediate technical failures, as the dictator emphasized accountability for those at fault.

Kim specifically highlighted those implicated in the launch failure, including officials from vital organizations such as the Department of Munitions Industry, the Institute of Dynamics, and various other associated institutions. He made it clear that they “would not avoid being dealt with” at an upcoming plenary meeting scheduled for next month.

Moreover, Kim stated that repairing the warship transcended mere mechanics—it’s a matter of national dignity itself. He expressed that the “urgent restoration of the destroyer is not a simple practical issue but a political issue directly related to the authority of the state.” This indicates a significant weight placed on the recovery process, demanding that those involved take it with the utmost seriousness.

Urgency was further underscored by Kim’s directive that the damaged ship must be refurbished before the June Plenary Meeting. He called upon workers at Chongjin and Rajin Shipyards to exhibit “ardent patriotic loyalty and labor devotion” in remedying this critical situation. Kim also issued “important instructions” to the investigative group tasked with examining the disaster, indicating a tight grip on the proceedings following this embarrassing setback for the regime.

In summary, the North Korean warship launch disaster during Kim Jong-un’s watch marks not only a technical failure but a significant political embarrassment, raising questions about leadership accountability. The Supreme Leader’s vehement response highlights the intertwining of national pride with military efficacy in North Korea’s defense narrative. Urgent restoration efforts have been mandated, and repercussions loom for those deemed responsible as the nation braces for the upcoming plenary meeting.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk