A serious accident involving a new 5,000-ton North Korean destroyer occurred during its launch, witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un. Kim condemned the incident as a "criminal act" due to negligence, ordering immediate repairs before a key June party meeting. The accident, which resulted in damage to the ship's bottom, occurred at the eastern port of Chongjin. While KCNA didn't report casualties, Kim emphasized the political implications of the failure, highlighting the damage to national dignity and the need for swift restoration. This is a rare public acknowledgement of a mishap in North Korea.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.