On May 21, 2025, a significant setback struck North Korea’s naval aspirations when a newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer suffered a major accident during its launch ceremony at a shipyard in Chongjin, a port city on the country’s eastern coast.
The incident, described as a "serious accident" by state media, occurred in the presence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who labeled it a "criminal act" stemming from gross negligence and incompetence.
Very embarrassing incident for North Korea being reported just now. A new Navy destroyer was being launched in front of commie dictator Kim Jong Un when it BROKE APART and sunk!! 😂😆😁😄😃😂 pic.twitter.com/nR9kYwUvFV
— ¡El SooperMexican! ن c137 🦬 (@SooperMexican) May 22, 2025
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the mishap was triggered by a combination of "inexperienced command and operational carelessness." During the launch, the stern’s launch slide moved prematurely, becoming stranded, while the flatcar failed to maintain parallel alignment. This caused parts of the warship’s hull to buckle, severely damaging its balance and preventing the bow from clearing the shipway. The result was a crippled vessel, unable to complete its ceremonial debut.
Kim Jong-un, who personally oversaw the event, did not mince words in his response. He condemned the failure as an unacceptable breach of discipline, attributing it to "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism." He reportedly demanded the vessel’s restoration before a key party meeting in June, signaling the regime’s urgency to salvage both the ship and its prestige.
Lmao so apparently this sank today with Kim Jung Un watching. pic.twitter.com/9cmB6x0XwM
— Woofers (@NotWoofers) May 22, 2025
This incident underscores the Rancho challenges facing North Korea’s navy, which has historically lagged behind its regional adversaries in technological and operational capabilities. The 5,000-ton destroyer, possibly the Choe Hyon, was intended to bolster the country’s naval strength amid escalating tensions with South Korea and the United States. Kim’s regime has frequently used military displays, including naval advancements, to project power and deter perceived threats, particularly from South Korea.
In recent years, Kim Jong-un has intensified rhetoric against South Korea, accusing Seoul of provocations and vowing to strengthen North Korea’s military capabilities. The failed launch, however, casts doubt on the regime’s ability to execute its ambitious naval modernization plans, potentially undermining its deterrence strategy. Posts on X reflect speculation about internal repercussions, with some suggesting Kim’s harsh criticism could lead to severe consequences for those responsible.
BREAKING: An accident occurred during the launch of a new North Korean warship while leader Kim Jong Un was watching, state media KCNA said on Thursday.
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) May 22, 2025
Kim, who witnessed the failed launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer, criticized the incident as "carelessness" that "could not be…
The accident not only highlights technical deficiencies but also raises questions about the North Korean navy’s readiness to compete in a region dominated by advanced naval powers. While Kim’s government remains defiant, this public failure may embolden critics and complicate North Korea’s efforts to assert itself as a formidable maritime force.
On Wednesday, a significant setback struck North Korea’s naval aspirations during a high-profile launch ceremony for a new 5,000-ton destroyer at the Chongjin shipyard in the country’s eastern port city. The event, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was meant to showcase the regime’s growing military prowess but instead ended in what state media described as a “serious accident.”
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim labeled the incident a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,” deeming it intolerable. According to KCNA, the accident occurred due to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness” during the launch process. The stern of the destroyer departed prematurely, stranding on the launch slide, while the flatcar failed to move in parallel. This misstep caused sections of the warship’s bottom to be “crushed,” disrupting the vessel’s balance and preventing the bow from leaving the shipway. The mishap not only damaged the destroyer but also cast a shadow over North Korea’s efforts to modernize its navy, a key component of its military strategy amid ongoing tensions with South Korea and its allies.
North Korea’s navy, officially known as the Korean People’s Army Navy (KPAN), is a modest but strategically significant force, primarily focused on coastal defense and asymmetric warfare. The navy operates approximately 70 submarines, including aging Romeo-class and smaller Sang-O and Yono-class vessels, which are designed for stealth operations and potential infiltration missions. Additionally, the KPAN maintains around 400 patrol vessels, a handful of Najin-class frigates, and a growing number of smaller missile boats equipped with anti-ship missiles. While the fleet is sizable in terms of sheer numbers—estimated at over 700 vessels—it relies heavily on outdated technology and lacks the blue-water capabilities of modern navies like those of South Korea or the United States.
Recent developments, such as the unveiling of the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer at Nampho shipyard in April 2025, indicate North Korea’s intent to bolster its naval strength with larger, more advanced warships.
Reports suggest this destroyer was equipped with nuclear-capable missile systems, signaling an ambition to project power beyond its shores. However, the Chongjin accident underscores the challenges the regime faces in translating ambition into operational success, with technical inexperience and logistical shortcomings hampering progress. The failed launch comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, fueled by Kim Jong-un’s increasingly belligerent rhetoric toward South Korea. In recent years, Kim has escalated threats, vowing to “annihilate” South Korea if provoked and declaring it the “principal enemy” in state policy.
North Korea has conducted frequent missile tests, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), to demonstrate its military capabilities. In 2025 alone, the regime has tested advanced missile systems capable of targeting South Korea, Japan, and U.S. bases in the region, raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Additionally, North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to support Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict has further alarmed South Korea and its allies.
This move, combined with the regime’s naval buildup, suggests Kim’s intent to assert North Korea as a formidable regional player. However, incidents like the Chongjin shipyard failure highlight the gap between North Korea’s ambitions and its technical capabilities, potentially undermining Kim’s efforts to project strength. The “serious accident” at Chongjin is more than a technical embarrassment; it exposes systemic issues within North Korea’s military-industrial complex. Kim’s harsh criticism of the incident as a “criminal act” reflects the regime’s intolerance for failure, particularly in high-stakes projects meant to bolster national pride and deterrence.
The public acknowledgment of the mishap through KCNA is unusual, as North Korea typically suppresses reports of failures to maintain an image of invincibility. This transparency may indicate internal pressure to address accountability or deflect blame from the leadership. For South Korea, the incident provides a momentary reprieve from North Korea’s saber-rattling but does little to alleviate long-term concerns. Seoul’s advanced navy, equipped with modern destroyers, submarines, and missile defense systems, far outmatches Pyongyang’s capabilities.
However, North Korea’s unpredictable behavior and potential for asymmetric tactics—such as submarine infiltrations or coastal raids—remain a persistent threat. As North Korea continues to invest in its naval and missile programs, incidents like the Chongjin accident highlight the challenges of modernizing an isolated and resource-constrained military. Kim Jong-un’s aggressive posturing toward South Korea, coupled with his regime’s pursuit of advanced weaponry, ensures that the Korean Peninsula remains a flashpoint for regional and global security. While the destroyer’s failure may delay North Korea’s naval ambitions, it is unlikely to deter Kim from pressing forward with his militaristic agenda.
For now, the international community watches closely, as South Korea and its allies brace for potential provocations. The Chongjin mishap serves as a reminder that while North Korea’s rhetoric is bold, its execution often falls short—a dynamic that could either temper or inflame tensions in the region.
