Kim Jong-Un's new warship sinks at launch as leader fumes at 'criminal act'
North Korea has been left red-faced after a new warship intended to display the nation's military power spectacularly sank at its launch in front of dictator Kim Jong-un
In a high-profile debacle reported by the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea's attempt to launch a warship turned into a fiasco under the watchful eyes of Kim Jong-Un.
The supreme leader was present for the grand unveiling of the 5,000-tonne vessel at Cheongjin Shipyard on May 21, which quickly descended into chaos due to a blunder during the launch process.
Meant to be a show of military strength, the event was marred by confusion when the sequence was botched. An early release of the stern sled caused it to jam, resulting in the front of the ship getting stuck and damaging the hull.
The mishap brought the proceedings to an embarrassing standstill. Kim Jong-un, who witnessed the entire debacle unfold, did not hold back in his criticism of those in charge and immediately sought retribution.
He condemned the incident as a "serious accident that could not have happened, could not be tolerated," and slammed it as a "criminal act caused by pure carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism."
The North Korean leader made it abundantly clear that those responsible for the blunder, including high-ranking officials from various state and party institutions, would face severe repercussions, the Mirror US reports.
Kim Jong-Un has delivered a stark warning that those responsible will be dealt with when the ruling party's Central Committee meets next month, vowing they will "not avoid being dealt with."
He emphasised that the restoration of the destroyer is not just about repairing a ship, but also linked to the resurgence of national pride.
Kim urged the workers at Chongjin and Rajin Shipyards to show "ardent patriotic loyalty and labour devotion" to guarantee the ship is completely fixed before the June Plenary Meeting.
He also dispensed "important instructions" to the team investigating the accident, underlining the serious manner in which the regime regards this matter.
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