North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the immediate arrest of three senior naval and defense officials after a newly commissioned warship capsized during a high-profile launch ceremony this week, state-run media reported Saturday.
The vessel, believed to be part of North Korea’s growing coastal defense fleet, overturned shortly after its ceremonial launch in the port city of Nampo. According to sources familiar with the matter, the incident occurred in full view of top military brass and visiting dignitaries, delivering a blow to the country's efforts to project maritime strength.
The arrested officials — identified by local media as senior members of the shipbuilding bureau and the Ministry of Defense’s naval command — are reportedly under investigation for negligence, mismanagement of safety protocols, and failure to conduct adequate testing prior to the launch.
Kim Jong Un, who was reportedly furious over the incident, visited the site personally hours after the capsizing. He labeled the failure “a disgrace to the People’s Army” and vowed swift disciplinary measures to prevent similar “acts of incompetence” in future defense projects.
“This unacceptable failure undermines the pride and strength of our revolutionary military forces,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). “It is imperative that all those responsible be held to account without leniency.”
The North Korean government has not confirmed whether there were any casualties resulting from the accident, but unofficial reports suggest that several naval crew members were injured.