North Korea Detains Three Officials Over Chongjin Warship Launch Accident

North Korea has arrested three shipyard officials, including the chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, following a failed launch of a 5,000-tonne destroyer that Kim Jong-un personally witnessed in Chongjin. The warship, intended as a symbol of military strength, ended up crushed and listing in the harbor, an event described by Kim as a “criminal act” that damaged the country's dignity. State media condemned the incident as caused by “absolute carelessness” and emphasized that those responsible would be held accountable. Satellite images showed the vessel lying on its side with the stern submerged and the bow still on the slipway, underscoring the scale of the embarrassment. Kim has ordered the ship to be repaired ahead of next month’s ruling party meeting, with restoration efforts already underway. The incident highlights the regime's sensitivity to military setbacks amid regional tensions and U.S. military presence.