North Korea has reportedly detained an official linked to the recent failed launch of a new warship, which resulted in significant damage to the vessel. The incident, described by state media as a “serious accident,” occurred during the launch ceremony and left sections of the newly constructed 5,000-ton naval destroyer crushed.
Following the mishap, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned the incident, labeling it a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness.” In light of this statement, Ri Hyong Son, who serves as the vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department within the Party Central Committee, was detained over the weekend. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Ri was “greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident.”
This detention marks the fourth individual reportedly taken into custody in connection with the launch failure. Prior to Ri, three others were detained, including the chief engineer of the shipyard and the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho.
In response to the incident, KCNA stated that efforts to restore the balance of the damaged warship were underway and proceeding according to schedule. South Korea’s military indicated that intelligence assessments from the United States and South Korea concluded that North Korea’s attempt to launch the ship had failed, leaving the vessel tilting in the water.
However, KCNA contradicted these assessments by reporting that inspections of the warship revealed no significant damage, despite initial announcements of serious structural issues. It characterized the damage as “not serious,” clarifying that there were no actual holes in the ship’s bottom.
In terms of military capabilities, the South Korean military has suggested that the new warship is likely comparable to the recently unveiled 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel, Choe Hyon. North Korea has boasted that the Choe Hyon is outfitted with advanced weaponry and is expected to be operational by early next year. Additionally, there are speculations that the development of the Choe Hyon may have involved collaboration with Russia, potentially in exchange for North Korean troops being deployed to support Moscow in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
