Particle.news
Download on the App Store
30 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

North Korea Detains Fourth Official Over Failed Warship Launch

Kim Jong Un calls the incident a 'criminal act' and orders the damaged destroyer to be repaired before a key June party meeting.

A satellite image shows a North Korean warship covered with a blue tarp after an accident that occurred during its launch at the shipyard in Chongjin, North Korea, May 23, 2025. 2025 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT
Image

Overview

  • A fourth official, Ri Hyong-son, has been detained in connection with the failed launch of North Korea's new 5,000-ton destroyer.
  • The destroyer was damaged during its May 21 launch in Chongjin when a transport cradle detached, causing the ship to tip and partially submerge.
  • Kim Jong Un, who attended the launch, has criticized the incident as a result of negligence and irresponsibility, vowing severe consequences for those involved.
  • North Korea claims the damage to the ship is minor, with scratches and some water entry, and aims to complete repairs within 10 days.
  • The failed launch is a setback in Kim's efforts to modernize the navy, with international observers questioning the feasibility of the repair timeline.