North Korea Arrests Three Officials Over Failed 5,000-Ton Destroyer Launch

North Korea has arrested three shipyard officials, including the chief engineer, head of hull construction, and an administrative deputy manager, following a failed launch of a new 5,000-tonne destroyer in Chongjin. The incident, described by leader Kim Jong-un as a "criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness," resulted in the warship tipping over during its side-launch, causing significant damage to its hull and partially submerging the stern. Satellite images showed the damaged vessel lying on its side, covered with tarps, as North Korea attempts to conceal the embarrassment and repair the ship before an upcoming ruling party meeting. State media emphasized the officials' responsibility and indicated severe consequences, though specific punishments remain unclear. The launch failure has been publicly condemned by Kim as damaging to national dignity, highlighting the regime's intolerance for military mishaps amid efforts to showcase naval strength. No casualties were reported, but the event marks a rare and humiliating setback for North Korea's military ambitions.