North Korea Detains Those Responsible for Destroyer Launch Accident... "Investigation Intensifies"

Kim Jong Un Calls Destroyer Launch Accident a "Criminal Act"
Orders Strict Accountability and Rapid Restoration of Damaged Hull

North Korea is taking steps to punish those responsible for the accident that occurred during the launching of its new destroyer.

On the 21st, North Korea held a launching ceremony for a newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer under the watch of State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un, but an accident occurred in which the ship was not properly floated and was severely damaged. The photo is a satellite image of the destroyer, completed and preparing for launching at the Chongjin Shipyard, taken on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on the 25th, "The investigation into the destroyer launching accident that occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard is intensifying," and "legal authorities have detained Kang Jeongcheol, chief engineer at Chongjin Shipyard; Han Kyunghak, head of the hull assembly workshop; and Kim Yonghak, administrative manager."

According to the agency, the accident investigation group, which was formed to look into the incident, reported its progress to the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party the previous day. In addition, no further damage to the destroyer has been confirmed, and the local recovery team is proceeding with the restoration plan as scheduled.

On the 21st, North Korea held a launching ceremony for a newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer at the Chongjin Shipyard under the watch of State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un. However, during the launching process, the ship toppled, with part of it falling into the water and the hull being damaged.

After the accident, Chairman Kim described it as "a serious and grave accident and a criminal act," ordering the punishment of those responsible and instructing that the hull be restored by next month. The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party also stated, "It is necessary to clarify the cause of the accident," and directed the accident investigation group to "identify and investigate the causes behind this unimaginable and unacceptable accident and hold the responsible parties accountable."