Pyongyang, May 13, 2025 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lashed out at military officials following a failed launch of the country’s newest warship, which suffered significant damage due to what state media described as “absolute carelessness.”
The mishap occurred over the weekend at the Sinpo Shipyard, a key naval facility on North Korea’s east coast, during what was meant to be a high-profile unveiling of the Korean People’s Navy’s newest combat vessel. The warship, believed to be a modified corvette equipped with new missile systems, was set to be the centerpiece of North Korea’s maritime modernization efforts.
However, sources inside the country’s tightly controlled military apparatus say the vessel became unstable during the final launch procedures and collided with part of the dry dock, causing substantial damage to the hull and onboard systems. Video footage of the launch, which was not officially released but reportedly leaked through unofficial channels in China, shows the ship lurching awkwardly before coming to a grinding halt.
Kim Jong Un, who was reportedly watching from a viewing platform along with top military officials and engineers, was said to be “visibly enraged” by the incident. According to a statement by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the supreme leader “expressed his extreme disappointment and harshly criticized those responsible for the grave and unforgivable blunder.”
KCNA called the incident a result of “organizational indiscipline and the absolute carelessness of those entrusted with safeguarding the dignity of the nation’s naval power.”
Though North Korea rarely admits to military failures, the unusually candid admission underscores the seriousness of the setback. Analysts say the damaged warship was likely intended to be showcased during the country’s upcoming military anniversary parade and may have featured new cruise missile systems inspired by Russian and Chinese designs.
“This incident is an embarrassment for Kim,” said Dr. Rachel Min, a North Korea expert at the East Asia Security Institute. “He’s been promoting North Korea’s naval capabilities as a symbol of resilience and defiance against U.S. and South Korean forces. This accident dents that image.”
In the wake of the incident, Kim reportedly ordered a full investigation and dismissed several senior engineers and naval officers involved in the project. There are also unconfirmed reports of detentions and interrogations at the Ministry of Defense.
Despite the setback, state media has since vowed that the warship will be repaired and returned to sea “stronger and more fearsome than before.” A new launch date has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to simmer, with South Korea and Japan monitoring developments closely amid fears that the regime could launch missile tests or engage in military drills to distract from the failure and reassert strength.
