North Korea relaunches warship after May accident, Kim calls it ‘criminal’

North Korea has successfully repaired and relaunched their 5,000-ton warship after a failed launch in May, as reported by North Korean state media. The second warship is once again upright in the water, according to the North Korean news agency KCNA.

During the relaunch ceremony, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, addressed the previous mishap, referring to it as a “ridiculous accident.” He expressed his disappointment and described the incident as a serious criminal act that tarnished the dignity and self-respect of the state. As a result, the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard and others were arrested in connection with the failed launch.

Despite the setback, Kim Jong Un remains determined to strengthen North Korea’s maritime defense capabilities. He vowed to launch more warships of a new generation in the coming years, which will serve as the backbone of the country’s naval forces.

The warship, named “Kang Kon” by Kim Jong Un, was moved to the Rajin shipyard for repairs after being set upright. The extent of the damage to the ship is still unknown, as it never left the dry dock. Satellite images released by South Korea had previously shown the ship lying on its side, indicating the severity of the initial mishap.

The launch mishap occurred when the flatcar carrying the warship failed to move alongside it, causing the ship to become unbalanced and slide down the launch slipway. This resulted in the ship’s bow section being unable to leave the ramp, rendering it stuck in place.

Despite the challenges faced during the launch, North Korea successfully launched another 5,000-ton destroyer from Nampo, demonstrating their commitment to expanding their naval capabilities. Kim Jong Un’s determination to strengthen North Korea’s maritime defense forces remains unwavering, as the country continues to pursue advancements in military technology.

In conclusion, North Korea’s successful repair and relaunch of the warship signify the country’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of military advancement. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks involved in such endeavors, but also highlights North Korea’s commitment to enhancing its national defense capabilities.