North Korea Denies Major Damage to Warship Amid Ongoing Investigation into Failed Missile Launch

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea is on the hunt for those accountable for the failed launch of its second naval destroyer. The country claims the warship did not incur significant damage, a statement met with skepticism from outside observers.

Following the incident, Kim Jong Un expressed anger, accusing officials of negligence. North Korea’s military committee has stated that those found responsible will face serious consequences, labeling the event an “unpardonable criminal act.”

The Damage Assessment

North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, claims the destroyer, a 5,000-ton vessel, was not seriously harmed. They initially reported holes in the hull but later revised that assessment. They now say that only scratches and minor flooding in the stern were incurred, but they assert it will take ten days to pump out water and repair the ship.

Experts, however, suspect the damage is much worse. Lee Illwoo from the Korea Defense Network believes the engine room might be flooded and that repairs could last over a year due to the complexity of working on a warship of this class.

What Went Wrong?

According to North Korea’s account, the ship suffered damage during a launch ceremony in Chongjin when a cradle supporting the ship detached. Navy expert Moon Keun-sik suggests that workers might not be familiar with launching such a heavy vessel; the destroyer is nearly three times the weight of previous naval ships.

Observers believe North Korea attempted a side launch, a method not typically used for warships. This could have led to challenges in maintaining balance, especially since the ship is equipped with heavy weapons.

Kim’s Reaction

This damaged ship is similar to North Korea’s first destroyer, launched recently with great fanfare. Kim had touted its construction as a significant advancement in modernizing North Korea’s naval forces. The failed launch presents a setback for him, but he may also be using the incident to reinforce discipline and commitment within the military and government.

Kim has ordered an investigation, asking officials to repair the ship quickly before an important Workers’ Party meeting later this month.

Experts like Kim Dong-yub from the University of North Korean Studies see this as a chance for the ruling party to tighten control over the country’s defense sector. Lee Choon Geun from South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute warns that harsh penalties for scientists involved could inhibit future military advancements.

In a broader context, the situation reflects ongoing challenges in North Korea’s military modernization efforts. It also highlights how internal accountability can influence the development of defense technology in authoritarian regimes. The implications of the launch failure could resonate throughout North Korea’s military strategy and innovation for years to come.

Additional Insights

Interestingly, social media trends show increased interest in North Korea’s military endeavors, spurring discussions about international security and the implications of their technological developments. A recent survey indicated that about 70% of South Koreans are concerned about North Korea’s military capabilities, reflecting broader regional anxieties.

For up-to-date information on North Korea’s military strategies, you can refer to reports from trusted sources such as the Council on Foreign Relations.

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North Korea, Kim Jong-un, North Korea government, General news, International News, Lee Choon Geun, World news, Military and defense, Lee Illwoo, Hong Kil Ho, Kim Dong-yub