‘Serious accident’ derails launch of new North Korean warship: State media



News ‘Serious accident’ derails launch of new North Korean warship: State media Kim Jong Un condemns failure during side launch of 5000-ton destroyer as ‘criminal act’ after ramp ‘detached prematurely Shreyas Reddy May 22, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A ship being launched at Chongjin Shipyard, as shown in a state-produced historical documentary \| Image: KCTV The anticipated launch of North Korea’s latest warship in Chongjin was derailed by a “serious accident” on Wednesday, sparking an angry reaction from leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media. During the launch ceremony of a new 5,000-ton-class destroyer at the eastern port city’s shipyard, the ship’s hull was damaged when the stern launching ramp “detached prematurely and ran aground,” the ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said on Thursday. The anticipated launch of North Korea’s latest warship in Chongjin was derailed by a “serious accident” on Wednesday, sparking an angry reaction from leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media. During the launch ceremony of a new 5,000-ton-class destroyer at the eastern port city’s shipyard, the ship’s hull was damaged when the stern launching ramp “detached prematurely and ran aground,” the ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said on Thursday. Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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‘Serious accident’ derails launch of new North Korean warship: State media

Kim Jong Un condemns failure during side launch of 5000-ton destroyer as ‘criminal act’ after ramp ‘detached prematurely

Shreyas Reddy May 22, 2025

‘Serious accident’ derails launch of new North Korean warship: State media

A ship being launched at Chongjin Shipyard, as shown in a state-produced historical documentary | Image: KCTV

The anticipated launch of North Korea’s latest warship in Chongjin was derailed by a “serious accident” on Wednesday, sparking an angry reaction from leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media.

During the launch ceremony of a new 5,000-ton-class destroyer at the eastern port city’s shipyard, the ship’s hull was damaged when the stern launching ramp “detached prematurely and ran aground,” the ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said on Thursday.

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‘Serious accident’ derails launch of new North Korean warship: State media

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