North Korea's Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as 'criminal act'

Australia Broadcast Center

22-05-2025

A 5,000-tonne warship key to North Korea's naval advancement has been left damaged following a serious accident during its launch ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un.
The destroyer slid off the ramp and became stuck after the flatcar failed to move alongside it, throwing off its balance and crushing parts of the ship's bottom, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
The accident at the north-eastern port of Chongjin was an embarrassing setback for Mr Kim, who has emphasised naval advancement as key to his nuclear-armed military.
North Korean state media didn't say whether Wednesday's incident caused any injuries.
However, South Korea's military said the stricken warship was lying sideways in the water.
Mr Kim blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for what he described as a "serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism."
He said the accident "tarnished the country's dignity" and officials responsible would be "dealt with" at the plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee to be convened next month.
The damaged vessel was likely in the same class as the country's first destroyer, unveiled on April 25, which experts assessed as the North's largest and most advanced warship to date.
Mr Kim called it a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military's operational range 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.
Mr Kim also supervised test-firing of missiles from the destroyer afterward, and state media said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year.
Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea.
Mr Kim has framed the arms build-up as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North's nuclear program.
He previously said the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy.
Experts outside of North Korea say the destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance.
While North Korea's naval forces are considered inferior to South Korea's, analysts still view the destroyer as a serious security threat, as it could enhance the country's offensive and defensive capabilities.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent months as Mr Kim accelerates the development of his nuclear and missile programs and supplies weapons and troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
The US, South Korea, and their allies have expressed concern that Moscow could reciprocate by providing North Korea with advanced weapons technology, further enhancing the threat posed by its nuclear and missile program.
AAP/Reuters