North Korea has once again drawn international headlines—this time not for missile tests or diplomatic standoffs, but for a colossal engineering and military embarrassment. On May 21, 2025, the regime attempted to unveil one of its most significant naval advancements in recent history: the Choe Hyon-class destroyer, a 5,000-ton warship touted as a symbol of North Korea’s growing maritime power. Instead, the launch turned into a humiliating debacle when the vessel capsized and partially sank moments after touching water at the Chongjin shipyard.
What was supposed to be a proud moment for Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un became a national disaster, especially given that he was reportedly present at the site during the failed launch. Satellite images soon emerged, revealing the once-grand warship tipped on its side, half-submerged and covered in makeshift blue tarps. The shipyard, and by extension the regime, was thrown into crisis mode.
Kim Jong-un’s Fierce Response
Unsurprisingly, the reaction from Pyongyang’s top brass was swift and severe. Kim Jong-un, visibly furious according to state media, described the incident as a “criminal act” and a “humiliation” to the North Korean people and their military. He wasted no time in demanding accountability, ordering the immediate arrest of those deemed responsible.
For a regime known for its zero-tolerance policy toward failure—particularly when it undermines Kim’s carefully crafted image of infallibility—this response was expected. Yet the ferocity of Kim’s rhetoric suggests that the implications of this event may stretch far beyond technical error. It has now become a matter of national pride and leadership authority, and the consequences are set to be severe.
What Went Wrong During the Warship Launch
Overview of the Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer
The Choe Hyon-class destroyer is one of the largest and most advanced naval platforms ever constructed by North Korea. At an estimated 5,000 tons, the vessel is equipped with modern radar systems, anti-aircraft defenses, and potentially long-range cruise or ballistic missile systems. Reports suggest the ship is named after Choe Hyon, a prominent figure in North Korea’s revolutionary history and father of Kim Jong-il’s wife, further raising the symbolic weight of this project.
Strategically, this warship represented a significant leap for North Korea’s blue-water navy ambitions. Most of the country’s fleet consists of outdated patrol boats and submarines designed for coastal defense. The Choe Hyon-class was supposed to be a game changer—projecting strength in the Pacific and giving Pyongyang a formidable maritime deterrent.
The Botched Side Launch and Capsizing
But that game-changing moment ended in disaster. According to satellite imagery and witness reports, the vessel was launched using a side-launch method—where the ship is rolled off its supports sideways into the water, instead of being pushed forward via a slipway. While side-launching is not uncommon globally, it is rarely used for vessels of this size due to the immense structural and balance challenges involved.
Analysts believe the destroyer was improperly balanced or inadequately supported during the launch. As the ship hit the water, it tilted dangerously, then rolled to one side before partially sinking. Images show the stern submerged and likely flooded, with the hull reportedly crushed on one side.
North Korean state media tried to downplay the incident, calling the damage “not serious” and claiming repairs could be completed within ten days. However, experts from the U.S. and South Korea remain skeptical. “It’s not just a dent,” said one naval expert. “This looks like a structural failure that will set their navy back by years.”
Arrests Following the Incident
Senior Shipyard Officials Detained
Soon after the incident, the North Korean regime detained at least three senior officials from the Chongjin shipyard. The individuals were identified as:
- Kang Jong Chol, Chief Engineer and head of the launch operations.
- Han Kyong Hak, Director of the Hull Construction Workshop.
- Kim Yong Hak, Deputy Manager in charge of logistics and safety compliance.
These arrests were publicly confirmed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which accused the officials of “grave dereliction of duty” and “unscientific methods that endangered national security.”
In North Korea, public shaming of high-ranking officials is rare unless the regime wants to send a strong message. In this case, it appears Kim Jong-un is not just demanding justice—he’s trying to restore his image as a strict but infallible leader, especially after being personally embarrassed.
Potential Charges and Punishment
While North Korea’s opaque judicial system does not often reveal charges publicly, previous incidents offer some chilling clues. High-profile failures, especially in defense-related projects, can lead to lengthy prison terms, forced labor, or worse. In 2015, Defense Minister Hyon Yong-chol was reportedly executed for disrespect and failure to carry out orders effectively.
Given the visibility and scale of this blunder, there’s speculation that those detained may face severe punishment. It’s likely that these individuals will be held up as scapegoats to deflect blame from leadership and reinforce the cost of incompetence in national defense.
