State media acknowledged the accident, with leader Kim Jong Un calling the failure a national disgrace and promising accountability.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a malfunction in the launch mechanism caused the stern of the 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, damaging parts of the hull and leaving the bow stuck on the shipway. The vessel remains unnamed and was expected to be one of North Korea’s most advanced surface combatants.
Kim Jong Un, who attended the ceremony, described the incident as a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness” and blamed several state bodies, including the Munitions Industry Department, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the central ship design bureau.
A South Korean military spokesperson, Col. Lee Sung-joon, stated that the ship is currently lying on its side in the water. Naval experts warned that such a launch failure could result in catastrophic damage to the vessel's hull and structure.
Maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano noted that uneven movement during a launch could create stress forces capable of tearing a ship apart. Carl Schuster, a naval analyst based in Hawaii, suggested that the hull may be warped, cracked, or even suffer a broken keel, depending on where the structural stress was concentrated.
The incident is a major blow to North Korea’s naval ambitions. It comes shortly after the unveiling of the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s first newly built destroyer in decades. The Choe Hyon was described by state media as a “new generation” warship aimed at strengthening maritime defense against perceived threats from the United States and South Korea.
While technical details remain limited, analysts believe the Choe Hyon and the damaged vessel may share design characteristics, possibly influenced by Russian naval architecture. Satellite imagery and available footage suggest modern features, but the operational capabilities of these ships remain unclear.
Kim Jong Un has ordered the damaged vessel to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party. However, experts question the feasibility of this deadline due to the extent of the damage and limited shipyard capabilities.
Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki emphasized that North Korea likely lacks a dry dock large enough for a 5,000-ton warship, making repairs difficult and time-consuming. “It could take four to five months, possibly more,” he stated.
Analysts warn that attempting rushed repairs without proper infrastructure may lead to further complications. South Korean lawmaker and defense analyst Yu Yong-weon said the launch was likely conducted prematurely, and that political pressure could compromise long-term vessel integrity.
An investigation has been launched, and the ruling party is expected to address the incident at its upcoming Central Committee meeting. Senior officials involved in the ship’s design and launch may face disciplinary action.
Despite recent progress in shipbuilding, North Korea’s navy remains the least developed branch of its armed forces. Questions persist regarding the operational readiness of these new vessels, with experts suggesting that they may lack fully functional propulsion systems. To date, state media has not released images of the new destroyers at sea.
