North Korea Arrests Officials Over Failed Warship Launch

North Korea has arrested a senior official, Ri Hyong-son, over the failed launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer that damaged its hull and enraged leader Kim Jong Un. The official, deputy director of the ruling Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department, was deemed "largely responsible" for the accident. Three other officials were also detained over the incident at the Chongjin shipyard. Kim has described the failure as a "criminal act" and has vowed to continue advancing North Korea's military capabilities.

North Korea has arrested four people in connection with a failed warship launch last week, which left the vessel partially submerged and on its side at a shipyard. The arrested individuals include high-ranking officials and engineers from the shipyard, with state media citing a "criminal act" and vowing punishment. The launch malfunction damaged the 5,000-ton destroyer, with initial reports suggesting significant damage, but later stating that there were no holes in the hull. Analysts estimate repairs could take up to six months, contradicting the state's initial estimate of 10 days and Kim Jong Un's order to restore the ship before a late June party meeting. Satellite images show the warship covered in tarps, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.

North Korea has detained officials from the Chongjin Shipyard, including the chief engineer, over a failed launch of a new warship that damaged a 5,000-ton naval destroyer. The incident occurred in front of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who was reportedly distraught and blamed those responsible for the "serious accident and criminal act." Kim ordered the damaged ship to be restored before a ruling party meeting in June, and the rehabilitation plan is underway. The failed launch was attributed to a flatcar guiding the ship failing to move, causing the warship to become unbalanced and damaged.