May 27, 2025 - Politics & Policy

North Korea detains 4 officials over failed warship launch

Rebecca Falconer

Maxar satellite imagery reveals the latest view of the crippled destroyer at Hambuk Shipyard. — Maxar satellite imagery reveals the latest view of the crippled destroyer at Hambuk Shipyard in North Korea's northeastern port city of Chongjin. Satellite image: 2025 Maxar Technologies via Getty Images

Officials in North Korea detained four officials over the failed launch of a new warship last week in the northeastern port city of Chongjin, per state media.

The big picture: The incident last Thursday that analysts said left the 5,000-ton destroyer badly damaged drew a rare public rebuke from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who described the mishap as a "criminal act."

Details: Officials detained Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department of the Party Central Committee, reported the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper on Monday, which said he "was greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident."

Rodong Sinmun reported earlier the detention of three others: Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard; Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop; and Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs.

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North Korea detains 4 officials over failed warship launch

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