A major accident occurred during the launch ceremony of a new North Korean warship on Thursday, which Kim Jong-un denounced as a “criminal act”.
Kim, who witnessed the failed launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer, declared the incident a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness” and warned it “could not be tolerated”.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the accident at the eastern port of Chongjin was caused by a loss of balance while the vessel was being launched.
North Korea’s newest 5,000-ton destroyer was severely damaged during its launch.
The malfunction caused the stern to slip early into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stuck on the shipway.
Kim was present on the venue and called it disgraceful!!!
They… pic.twitter.com/PzXar0eNaY
— DEF Talks by Aadi Achint (@AadiAchint) May 22, 2025
