Kim Promises to Address Responsible Parties After Nuclear Destroyer Incident

Overview of the Incident

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for what he termed a “criminal act” following the tragic sinking of a nuclear destroyer during its launch ceremony. The incident occurred in Chongjin, where the country showcased its largest naval model. Despite North Korea’s attempt to play down the damage, satellite images reveal significant harm to the vessel, which was partially submerged and covered with tarps.

North Korea’s Response to Damage

In a rare admission, North Korea acknowledged the accident through its state news agency, KCNA, but downplayed the extent of the damage. Initially, there were claims that the 5,000-ton destroyer had sustained minor scratches and that seawater had only entered part of the hull. However, satellite images indicate that the ship has capsized entirely, with most of it submerged in the harbor.

The KCNA reported that the damage could be repaired within ten days, and the shipyard manager, Hong Kil-ho, has been summstartd for investigation. During the launch, Kim expressed his outrage, stating that “the dignity of the nation has collapsed” due to the mishap.

Launch Ceremony and Safety Concerns

The accident took place during the destroyer’s launch ceremony, which was attended by Kim. He emphasized that the incident-a result of “complete recklessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism”-was unacceptable. He commanded that repairs be completed before an upcoming meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party next month, where he promised that those responsible for the “irresponsible errors” would face consequences.

Military analysts suggest that the mishap may have stemmed from the risky method used to launch the ship, referred to as “side-launching,” which had not been observed in previous North Korean ship launches. It is believed that this method was chosen due to space constraints at the Chongjin harbor and a lack of floating docks typically used in more advanced shipbuilding nations.

Strategic Implications and Future Plans

The unusual disclosure of this incident by North Korea may be intended to showcase Kim’s commitment to modernizing his naval forces amid military drills conducted by South Korea and the U.S., which he perceives as a significant threat. Just last month, North Korea successfully launched another destroyer of the same class, which was reportedly built using safer methods.

These destroyers, reportedly capable of launching ballistic and cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads, are an important addition to North Korea’s military capabilities, although they remain inferior to Western naval vessels. Kim has expressed intentions to further develop the fleet, eyeing the construction of nuclear-powered submarines as the next step in enhancing North Korea’s naval strength.

According to maritime expert Moon Kwon-sik, the incident may have been publicized to emphasize North Korea’s rapid modernization efforts and to instill confidence in its ability to build an even stronger naval force in the future.

Conclusion

The sinking of the nuclear destroyer during its launch represents a significant setback for North Korea’s military ambitions and has drawn Kim’s ire as he seeks to reinforce his regime’s perceived strength. The incident will likely have implications for the country’s future naval developments and internal political accountability.

!North Korean Destroyer
Image Source: AFP PHOTO/ SATELLITE IMAGE ©2025 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES