North Korean Warship Launch Ends in Disaster as Kim Jong-un Looks On

A North Korean warship launch on May 21 turned disastrous when the ship became stuck during the unveiling, leading to a public rebuke from Kim Jong-un. He cited the incident as a severe accident, indicating those responsible would be held accountable. Kim framed the restoration of the ship as not just a repair issue, but one of national dignity, demanding urgent actions ahead of an upcoming plenary meeting.

A recent launch of a new North Korean warship culminated in disaster, leaving even the regime’s leader, Kim Jong-un, shocked as he watched. The event, which took place at the Cheongjin Shipyard on May 21, was expected to be a display of military prowess but quickly descended into chaos, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim Jong-un, who was present for this significant occasion, witnessed the launch process go awry when the stern sled detached prematurely, causing the ship’s bow to remain stuck. Officials did not coordinate critical aspects of the launch, leading to serious imbalances and damaging the hull, effectively halting any further progress amid disarray.

The leader did not shy away from expressing his displeasure, condemning the incident as a “serious accident that could not have happened, could not be tolerated,” he characterized the blunder as a “criminal act caused by pure carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” Clearly agitated by the situation, Kim indicated that those accountable for the mishap would face serious repercussions.

He emphasized that senior officials from various departments including the Department of Munitions Industry, the Institute of Dynamics, among others, would bear the consequences, particularly as the Central Committee prepares for a plenary meeting next month where their fates may be discussed.

In Kim’s statements, the repair of the sunken warship was framed not just as a technical challenge, but as a broader issue of national pride and state authority. He remarked, “Urgent restoration of the destroyer is not a simple practical issue but a political issue directly related to the authority of the state.”

Urgently, he instructed that the ship be fully restored in time for the upcoming Central Committee meeting, appealing to the workers at Chongjin and Rajin Shipyards to exhibit their “ardent patriotic loyalty and labor devotion” to rectify the blunder.

Finally, Kim concluded with what he termed “important instructions” for the investigative committee examining the incident, showcasing just how seriously the regime is dealing with this evident failure that could have far-reaching implications for its image and operational capabilities.

In conclusion, the warship launch event in North Korea has turned into a significant embarrassment, publicly witnessed by Kim Jong-un. His denouncement of the incident highlights the regime’s focus on accountability and national pride. With serious repercussions looming for those involved, it emphasizes the political stakes surrounding military displays in North Korea.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk