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South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Is North Korea's Kim shoring up navy in strategic bid with allies China, Russia?
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to build a blue-water navy to counter what he described as growing threats from the United States , an ambition that observers say appears to be linked to broader strategic coordination with key Pyongyang allies China and Russia Advertisement Kim made the announcement during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Rajin for a newly repaired warship, following an earlier failed launch at the same location, state media reported on Friday. The vessel, 'Kang Kon', is the second 5,000-ton multi-mission destroyer North Korea has launched this year, following the Choe Hyon, unveiled in April. It is named after the leader of anti-Japanese guerillas who fought alongside Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea. In his speech, Kim called for strengthening North Korea's maritime military presence in the Pacific Ocean, citing 'provocations' by the US and its allies, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim declared that as North Korea's naval power expanded its territorial seas into the open ocean, the country's enemies would inevitably retreat. 'The proud status of our heroic and battle-ready Navy will not only be demonstrated in our coastal waters but across the vast oceans of the world,' he said. A performance is held to commemorate the launch of the North Korean destroyer 'Kang Kon'. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AFP Kim insisted the naval build-up was a 'justified response' to perceived threats from Washington and Seoul, which have intensified joint military exercises and deterrence strategies due to North Korea's advancing nuclear programme, and warned of 'overwhelming military action' in response.
Newsweek
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Kim Jong Un Doubles Down on Destroyers for North Korea's Navy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. North Korea has launched a 5,000-ton destroyer at the second try, state media reported on Friday, after the warship was damaged during an earlier botched attempt that had left it capsized in the water. During the launch ceremony the previous day, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to rapidly strengthen the country's navy by building two destroyers per year to deter aggression, with the third and fourth ships of the new Choe Hyon class planned for 2026. Newsweek has emailed the North Korea's embassy in China for further comment by email. Why It Matters In addition to its nuclear and missile capabilities, North Korea has begun modernizing its navy to counter the United States and its allies, marked by the launch of a missile-armed submarine in September 2023 and the unveiling of its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in late April. The accident that occurred during the launch of the second destroyer on May 21 was witnessed personally by Kim, who described the incident as a "criminal act." The damaged warship was seen being moved into a dry dock for repairs on Sunday, according to satellite imagery. What To Know North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency said the destroyer Kang Kon—named after North Korea's first chief of the General Staff, killed during the Korean War—was successfully launched at a ceremony at the Rajin Shipyard on Thursday, with Kim once again in attendance. This photo provided by the North Korean government shows a destroyer named Kang Kon during its launch ceremony at the Rajin shipyard in North Korea on June 12, 2025. This photo provided by the North Korean government shows a destroyer named Kang Kon during its launch ceremony at the Rajin shipyard in North Korea on June 12, 2025. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Photos released by KCNA show the destroyer—bearing hull number 52—docked in a dry dock filled with water. The shipyard, located on North Korea's northeastern coast near the Russian border, is reportedly capable of conducting "modest repairs and maintenance." During his speech at the ceremony, Kim said that his country's "new era of building a fleet" was making steady progress, adding that "huge warship-building plans" were advancing quickly with the aim of establishing a "world-level" naval force. The Kang Kon is equipped with "comprehensive combat capability" and will be "freely moving" in and out of the East Sea—the two Koreas' name for the Sea of Japan—and the Pacific Ocean, said Jo Chun Ryong, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. The event was held about three weeks after the destroyer had partially capsized during its initial launch, prompting the South Korean military to question the warship's operational status, the Yonhap news agency said on Friday. South Korea's navy is much larger than its North Korean counterpart, operating a fleet of 12 destroyers. The U.S. Navy has frequently deployed vessels to the Korean Peninsula, including aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines. In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center, and his daughter, left, attend a launch ceremony of a destroyer named Kang Kon at the Rajin shipyard in North... In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center, and his daughter, left, attend a launch ceremony of a destroyer named Kang Kon at the Rajin shipyard in North Korea on June 12, 2025. More Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP What People Are Saying North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un said on Thursday: "There was an absurd cause which impaired the dignity and prestige of the country in a moment due to the absolute irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism, but no obstacle could delay the important course of bolstering up the naval combat power." A South Korean military official told Yonhap on Friday: "On the outside, it appears that restoration has been completed, but the South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities will closely monitor whether the ship's parts are operational." What Happens Next It remains to be seen when the Kang Kon will conduct weapons tests following its launch. The Choe Hyon, the lead ship of North Korea's 5,000-ton class of destroyers, previously carried out missile and gun firing tests.
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Kim Jong-un finally ‘launches a ship WITHOUT sinking it': Despot tours ‘repaired destroyer' a month on from humiliation
TYRANT Kim Jong-un has reportedly relaunched his 5,000-tonne colossal warship - after it spectacularly capsized during its first launch last month. The North Korean dictator witnessed his new destroyer's successful maiden voyage - after a humiliating blunder last month which saw the vessel end up on its side. 9 Kim Jong-un, pictured with his daughter Kim Ju Ae (L), relaunched his huge warship which capsized last month Credit: EPA 9 The successful launch was witnessed by Kim at Rajin Port Credit: Reuters 9 The huge 5,000 ton warship half-sunk into the water in May Credit: EPA Satellite pictures previously revealed the huge warship, named Kang Kon, floundering sideways - with its stern partially sunk and its bow lying on the harbour jetty. Furious Kim deemed to find and punish those found responsible for the embarrassing fail. He slammed the "criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness" in a rare admission of failure - and arrested four officials. But state media have now claimed that the intimidating warship has finally been restored. READ MORE WORLD NEWS KIM'S RAGE Bungling NK officials 'face being shot' over humiliating Kim warship disaster Experts have questioned whether the boat's repairs are actually sufficient, given the reported speedy turnaround. Kim and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, are understood to have witnessed the triumphant launch at Rajin Port in the north of the country, according to KCNA. Images showed the smiling despot wearing a thin summer hat as he walked cheerfully in front of clapping navy officers. It comes after the half-sunk was seen being hauled upright using giant balloons after it capsized. North Korea's state broadcaster also reported that sections of the hull had been crushed. The highly-secretive authorities appeared to have tried to hide the disaster by placing blue tarpaulin across the wreck. North Korea's half-sunk warship hauled UPRIGHT with giant balloons as cause of disaster that humiliated Kim is revealed Pictures from May 29 showed workers standing on the quay pulling ropes attached to the boat. And at least 30 balloons appeared to have been connected along one side - presumably to haul it upright. On launch day, crews had attempted to slide the ship sideways into the water. A malfunction meant that the stern entered while the bow remained on the launch gear. It is likely that the launch mechanism snagged the bow, preventing it from plopping into the sea, reports 38north. This theory is supported by satellite imagery from May 29, which seems to show damage to the bow. Seething Kim demanded that the repairs be completed by the end of June - and it now appears that engineers have managed to do this in time. 9 Around 30 large balloons can be seen attached to the boat along with ropes Credit: Pleiades NEO/ Airbus DS 9 Kim Jong Un (C) and daughter Ju Ae (center L) boarding the destroyer Credit: AFP 9 The dictator was fuming in the wake of the embarrassment, and said it brought shame on the country. Four people have been arrested so far, including chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Han Kyong Hak, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hak. It's unclear what punishment they will face, though an expert told The Sun their fates could be fatal. Michael Madden, founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, said: "Some people will lose their party memberships and be sent to jail for short sentences." But, more alarmingly, he claimed "some people are going to be shot to death behind this". 9 A view of the warship before its failed launch Credit: AFP 9 The boat after being restored to an upright position Credit: Pleiades NEO/ Airbus DS 9 Kim boarding the destroyer 'Kang Kon' at the Rajin shipyard Credit: AFP The launch failure marked a huge setback for Kim, who has been modernizing his navy to keep up with the West. The huge Kang Kon naval destroyer is believed to be the same class as the Choe Hyon - North Korea's largest warship yet. North Korea's state media - which also serves as Kim's leading propaganda machine - reported that the vessel was equipped with the "most powerful weapons". Now it is seemingly upright and operational, the destroyer will surpass the current largest vessel in North Korea, a 1,360-tonne frigate.
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Kim Jong-un finally ‘launches a ship WITHOUT sinking it': Despot tours ‘repaired destroyer' a month on from humiliation
TYRANT Kim Jong-un has reportedly relaunched his 5,000-tonne colossal warship - after it spectacularly capsized during its first launch last month. The North Korean dictator witnessed his new destroyer's successful maiden voyage - after a humiliating blunder last month which saw the vessel end up on its side. 9 9 9 Satellite pictures previously revealed the huge warship, named Kang Kon, floundering sideways - with its stern partially sunk and its bow lying on the harbour jetty. Furious Kim deemed to find and punish those found responsible for the embarrassing fail. He slammed the "criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness" in a rare admission of failure - and arrested four officials. But state media have now claimed that the intimidating warship has finally been restored. Experts have questioned whether the boat's repairs are actually sufficient, given the reported speedy turnaround. Kim and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, are understood to have witnessed the triumphant launch at Rajin Port in the north of the country, according to KCNA. Images showed the smiling despot wearing a thin summer hat as he walked cheerfully in front of clapping navy officers. It comes after the half-sunk was seen being hauled upright using giant balloons after it capsized. North Korea's state broadcaster also reported that sections of the hull had been crushed. The highly-secretive authorities appeared to have tried to hide the disaster by placing blue tarpaulin across the wreck. North Korea's half-sunk warship hauled UPRIGHT with giant balloons as cause of disaster that humiliated Kim is revealed Pictures from May 29 showed workers standing on the quay pulling ropes attached to the boat. And at least 30 balloons appeared to have been connected along one side - presumably to haul it upright. On launch day, crews had attempted to slide the ship sideways into the water. A malfunction meant that the stern entered while the bow remained on the launch gear. It is likely that the launch mechanism snagged the bow, preventing it from plopping into the sea, reports 38north. This theory is supported by satellite imagery from May 29, which seems to show damage to the bow. Seething Kim demanded that the repairs be completed by the end of June - and it now appears that engineers have managed to do this in time. 9 9 9 The dictator was fuming in the wake of the embarrassment, and said it brought shame on the country. Four people have been arrested so far, including chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Han Kyong Hak, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hak. It's unclear what punishment they will face, though an expert told The Sun their fates could be fatal. Michael Madden, founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, said: "Some people will lose their party memberships and be sent to jail for short sentences." But, more alarmingly, he claimed "some people are going to be shot to death behind this". 9 9 9 The launch failure marked a huge setback for Kim, who has been modernizing his navy to keep up with the West. The huge Kang Kon naval destroyer is believed to be the same class as the Choe Hyon - North Korea's largest warship yet. North Korea's state media - which also serves as Kim's leading propaganda machine - reported that the vessel was equipped with the "most powerful weapons". Now it is seemingly upright and operational, the destroyer will surpass the current largest vessel in North Korea, a 1,360-tonne frigate.
The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kim Jong-un finally ‘launches a ship WITHOUT sinking it': Despot tours ‘repaired destroyer' a month on from humiliation
TYRANT Kim Jong-un has reportedly relaunched his 5,000-tonne colossal warship - after it spectacularly capsized during its first launch last month. The North Korean dictator witnessed his new destroyer's successful maiden voyage - after a Advertisement 9 Kim Jong-un, pictured with his daughter Kim Ju Ae (L), relaunched his huge warship which capsized last month Credit: EPA 9 The successful launch was witnessed by Kim at Rajin Port Credit: Reuters 9 The huge 5,000 ton warship half-sunk into the water in May Credit: EPA Satellite pictures previously revealed the huge warship, named Kang Kon, Furious Kim deemed to find and punish those found responsible for the embarrassing fail . He slammed the "criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness" in a rare admission of failure - and But state media have now claimed that the intimidating warship has finally been restored. Advertisement READ MORE WORLD NEWS Experts have questioned whether the boat's repairs are actually sufficient, given the reported speedy turnaround. Kim and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, are understood to have witnessed the triumphant launch at Rajin Port in the north of the country, according to KCNA. Images showed the smiling despot wearing a thin summer hat as he walked cheerfully in front of clapping navy officers. It comes after the half-sunk was seen being Advertisement Most read in The US Sun North Korea's state broadcaster also reported that sections of the hull had been crushed. The highly-secretive authorities appeared to have tried to hide the disaster by placing blue tarpaulin across the wreck. North Korea's half-sunk warship hauled UPRIGHT with giant balloons as cause of disaster that humiliated Kim is revealed Pictures from May 29 showed workers standing on the quay pulling ropes attached to the boat. And at least 30 balloons appeared to have been connected along one side - presumably to haul it upright. Advertisement On launch day, crews had attempted to slide the ship sideways into the water. A malfunction meant that the stern entered while the bow remained on the launch gear. It is likely that the launch mechanism snagged the bow, preventing it from plopping into the sea, reports This theory is supported by satellite imagery from May 29, which seems to show damage to the bow. Advertisement Seething Kim demanded that the repairs be completed by the end of June - and it now appears that engineers have managed to do this in time. 9 Around 30 large balloons can be seen attached to the boat along with ropes Credit: Pleiades NEO/ Airbus DS 9 Kim Jong Un (C) and daughter Ju Ae (center L) boarding the destroyer Credit: AFP 9 Advertisement The dictator was fuming in the wake of the embarrassment, and said it brought shame on the country. Four people have been arrested so far, including chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Han Kyong Hak, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hak. It's unclear what punishment they will face, though an expert told The Sun their fates could be fatal. Michael Madden, founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, said: "Some people will lose their party memberships and be sent to jail for short sentences." Advertisement But, more alarmingly, he claimed "some people are going to be shot to death behind this". 9 A view of the warship before its failed launch Credit: AFP 9 The boat after being restored to an upright position Credit: Pleiades NEO/ Airbus DS 9 Kim boarding the destroyer 'Kang Kon' at the Rajin shipyard Credit: AFP Advertisement The launch failure marked a huge setback for Kim, who has been modernizing his navy to keep up with the West. The huge Kang Kon naval destroyer is believed to be the same class as the North Korea's state media - which also serves as Kim's leading propaganda machine - reported that the vessel was equipped with the "most powerful weapons". Now it is seemingly upright and operational, the destroyer will surpass the current largest vessel in North Korea, a 1,360-tonne frigate. Advertisement
