North Korea’s high-profile launch of a new 5,000-ton warship ended in disaster when the vessel capsized before Kim Jong Un, prompting the dictator to label the mishap a “criminal act” and demand immediate repairs.

At a Glance

• A North Korean naval destroyer capsized during its launch ceremony on May 21, 2025, in front of leader Kim Jong Un
• Kim condemned the incident as a “criminal act” resulting from “absolute carelessness” and ordered repairs before June
• The accident was attributed to “immature command and operational negligence” that caused a hull rupture
• The damaged vessel is similar to the recently launched 5,000-ton Choi Hyun-ho destroyer designed to carry nuclear-capable missiles
• Kim attended with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, who observers believe is being groomed as his successor

Launch Day Disaster

What should have been a proud moment for North Korea’s military quickly descended into chaos on May 21 when a newly constructed 5,000-ton warship capsized during its launch ceremony. The humiliating mishap occurred directly in front of the country’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, who had attended the event with his daughter Kim Ju Ae. According to state media reports, the incident involved a rupture in the ship’s hull and improper detachment from the keel, causing the vessel to tip over as it entered the water. The ceremony immediately transformed from a celebration of military might into a stark display of engineering failure.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s state news service, took the unusual step of acknowledging the failure, describing it as the result of “immature command and operational negligence.” This rare admission of error indicates the severity of the incident, which could not be concealed due to its occurrence at such a high-profile event. The destroyer was reportedly similar to the 5,000-ton Choi Hyun-ho, another vessel that North Korea had successfully launched just last month as part of its naval modernization program.

Kim’s Furious Response

Kim Jong Un’s reaction to the warship disaster was swift and severe. The North Korean leader labeled the incident a “criminal act” stemming from “absolute carelessness” among those responsible for the launch. In keeping with his reputation for harsh discipline, Kim reportedly issued immediate orders for the ship to be fully restored before an important party meeting scheduled for June. The urgency of his command underscores the political significance of North Korea’s military hardware demonstrations, which are central to the regime’s propaganda efforts.

According to KCNA reports, Kim emphasized that the restoration of the damaged warship was not merely a technical matter but a “political issue related to the authority of the party and state.” This framing places enormous pressure on North Korean naval officials and engineers to correct the failure rapidly, regardless of the technical challenges involved. The incident represents a rare public embarrassment for a regime that carefully choreographs displays of military power to project strength both domestically and internationally.

Strategic Implications

The capsized vessel forms part of North Korea’s broader naval modernization efforts, which have accelerated in recent years. Just last month, Kim unveiled a nuclear-capable destroyer that he claimed would enhance the country’s defensive capabilities against perceived American aggression. These new warships are designed to handle various weapons systems, including missiles potentially capable of carrying nuclear warheads, making them significant additions to North Korea’s military arsenal despite the recent setback.

The timing of the incident is particularly notable, as it comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula. Kim has repeatedly criticized joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, characterizing them as preparations for war against his country. The public failure of such a strategically important vessel may temporarily undermine North Korea’s attempts to project naval power, though the regime appears determined to move forward with its maritime military development despite this embarrassing mishap.

South Korean military officials have not issued any immediate response regarding the warship incident or North Korea’s naval capabilities. The accident provides rare insight into the operational challenges facing North Korea’s military industrial complex, which typically operates under extreme secrecy and with limited resources due to international sanctions targeting the country’s weapons programs.