North Korea Arrests Four Officials Over Warship Launch Failure

North Korean authorities have arrested four officials pertaining to the launch failure of its new warship, an incident that was termed as a “shame to the nation’s prestige” by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as reported by state media. 

According to the Korean Central News Agency, deputy director of the ruling Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department Ri Hyong-son was "largely responsible for the serious accident". 

What was the incident?

Kim Jong Un had described the incident as a “criminal act” where the 5000-ton destroyer malfunctioned during the launch causing the stern to move sideways earlier than expected. The movement led to the destroyer's bottom getting crushed, tipping the vessel off balance.

The incident occurred at the northeastern port of Chongjin which was attributed to the “inexperienced command and operational carelessness in the course of the launch." 

Who all were arrested?

The highest official arrested for the incident was Ri Hyong-son who also serves as a part of the Central Military Commission. Along with Ri, the shipyard's chief engineer, its construction head and an administrative manager have also been detained. 

According to KCNA, the shipyard manager Hong Kil Ho was also summoned for questioning in the matter. 

The punishment for the incident has not yet been revealed. 

North Korea had earlier tested the weapons system of its new destroyer named the “Choe Hyon warship.” It had claimed that the vessel was equipped with the “most powerful weapons” and that it would “enter into operation early next year”. The new generation warship was unveiled citing the rising threats from the United States and South Korea.