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PortuguêsNorth Korea's attempt to launch a new navy ship failed in front of Kim Jong-un, who condemned the incident as unacceptable. The ship sustained damage, and the accident highlights challenges in the country's naval modernization efforts.
North Korea reports that the launch of a new navy ship has failed. Dictator Kim Jong-un was reportedly furious when the ship rolled off the slipway incorrectly, according to state media.
"After witnessing the entire accident, respected comrade Kim Jong-un harshly criticized it as a serious incident and a criminal act caused by negligence, irresponsibility, and a lack of scientific rigor. This cannot be tolerated," the report stated.
The warship was supposed to slide sideways into the water at the shipyard in Chongjin. However, one of the sledges supporting the ship failed to release properly, causing it to lose balance and sustain hull damage. South Korea reports that the ship is now lying on its side in the water.
North Korea has not disclosed the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties.
The incident is embarrassing for Kim, who called it "a stain on the dignity and self-respect of our state." The modernization of the navy is one of Kim's prestige projects. Last month, he attended the christening of the Choe Hyon, the country's largest naval ship to date.
North Korea claims its new generation of 5,000-ton warships, equipped with missile launchers, is a response to pressure from the US and its Asian allies. While the North Korean navy is less advanced than its southern counterpart, this project aims to close the gap.
Military experts speculate that Kim's pressure for rapid modernization may have contributed to the accident. The sideways launch method, possibly used for the first time, was intended to maximize shipyard efficiency.
Shortly after the incident, North Korea fired cruise missiles, reaffirming its military threat. South Korea did not provide further details on the missile launch.
