Kim Jong Un issues disturbing statement after warship is damaged during extravagant launch ceremony
Kim Jong Un has issued a statement after a warship was damaged during its extravagant launch ceremony.
According to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a newly unveiled 5,000-tonne destroyer that represented North Korea’s naval capabilities was severely damaged during its launch ceremony.
The incident took place at the northeastern port of Chongjin, North Korea where the destroyer reportedly became stuck after sliding off a ramp improperly.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that the flatcar was meant to move in sync with the ship but failed to operate, throwing off the vessel's balance and crushing parts of its bottom.
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Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC appeared to show the warship tilted onto its side, lying at an angle from the dock. Most of its hull was submerged and draped in blue covers.
KCNA did not disclose what led to the incident or if there were any injuries as a result.
The ceremony was attended by leader Kim Jong Un, who expressed a disturbing statement in response to the incident. Blaming military officials, scientists and shipyard operators, he labelled the mishap a 'serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism'.
He has since called for a Workers’ Party meeting to address what he described as 'irresponsible errors,' scheduled in late June, KCNA noted.
The damaged warship was believed to be in the same class as another destroyer revealed in April - one that Kim praised as a game-changer in North Korea's efforts to strengthen its navy and nuclear strike capabilities.
State media described that ship as designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
'It's a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it's speeding up the modernisation of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build' a greater navy, said Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul's Hanyang University, as per CBS News.
Moon suspected the incident likely happened because North Korean workers weren't yet familiar with handling a warship that size and were likely under pressure to rush the launch. Some outside experts also believe the destroyer was likely developed with Russian assistance.
Although North Korea’s naval capabilities lag behind those of South Korea, experts still consider the addition of this destroyer a significant threat. They warn that it could boost both North Korea’s offensive reach and its defensive strength to opposition.