North Korea Faces Repercussions After Warship Launch Disaster
North Korea is grappling with the aftermath of a launch accident that severely damaged its newest warship. In response, authorities have detained four individuals deemed responsible for the mishap, which left the vessel listing and partially submerged in a shipyard. The incident has sparked internal scrutiny and raised questions about the country’s naval capabilities and adherence to deadlines set by leader Kim Jong Un.
Did you know? North Korea’s shipbuilding industry has faced numerous challenges due to limited resources and international sanctions, frequently enough leading to rushed projects and compromised quality.
Key Figures Detained
Among those arrested is Ri Hyong Son, the vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department of the party Central committee. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Ri was considered greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident.
The KCNA also reported the detention of three other individuals:
- Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard.
- Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop.
- Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs.
Thes arrests underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for those perceived to have failed in their duties.
Reader Question
How might these arrests affect morale and productivity within North Korea’s shipbuilding industry?
photo-caption">A major accident occurred at the launch ceremony for a new North Korean naval destroyer, state media reported on May 22, with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a “criminal act”. Photo: AFP / Anthony Wallace
Kim Jong un’s Reaction
Kim jong Un, who personally witnessed the botched launch, has labeled the incident a criminal act
and vowed to punish those responsible. His strong reaction reflects the importance placed on military advancements and the potential damage to national prestige.
Details of the Accident
The accident, which occurred last Wednesday, was attributed to a malfunction in the launch mechanism. KCNA reported that the stern of the 5,000-ton destroyer slid prematurely into the water, resulting in damage to the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway. This rare admission of fault from north Korean state media highlights the severity of the situation.
Pro Tip: The openness, albeit limited, from North Korean state media could be a strategic move to manage public perception and demonstrate accountability.
Damage Assessment and Repair Efforts
Initial reports suggested significant damage to the warship. However,subsequent assessments indicated that while the hull was scratched,there were no major breaches.State media acknowledged that a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section.
While initial estimates suggested repairs could take about 10 days, analysts remain skeptical. Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered the destroyer to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, framing it as a matter of national honor.
Expert Analysis
Satellite imagery reveals that most of the warship is covered in blue tarps,making a comprehensive damage assessment difficult. Carl Schuster, a former U.S. Navy captain, believes that repair work could extend far beyond Kim’s June deadline, possibly taking up to six months.
If the hull damage extends across the ship’s port side covered by the tarp, then we are looking at four to six months of repair work.
Carl Schuster, Former U.S. Navy Captain
Schuster also emphasized the potential complications arising from seawater intrusion:
The interior of the ship would need to be thoroughly flushed with fresh water and then dried to prevent “salt crust” from forming on metal surfaces. If it gets into joints and things, then it becomes destructive.
Carl Schuster, Former U.S. Navy Captain
He noted that this process cannot begin until the ship is righted and any hull breaches are patched. KCNA reported that the work for wholly restoring the balance of the warship is being actively conducted,
but provided no specific timeline.
Concerns About Rushed Repairs
Yu Yong-weon, a South Korean lawmaker and defense analyst, suggested that rushing the launch likely contributed to the accident and cautioned against hasty repairs.Schuster echoed this sentiment, suggesting that political optics might outweigh practical military considerations.
If Kim Jong Un says, ‘I want that ship fitted out in six months,’ they’ll take shortcuts to make it happen. And usually when you do that you wind up with a ship that’s not, shall we say optimal for operations? But it meets the propaganda criteria.
Carl Schuster, Former U.S. Navy Captain
