North Korea scrubs navy commander from photos in sign of widening warship purge



News North Korea scrubs navy commander from photos in sign of widening warship purge Deletion of commander and shipyard manager from state media appears linked to failed destroyer launch last month Colin Zwirko June 13, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON State media showed photos again Friday that were previously published in March, this time deleting two key figures in a sign of their removal from leadership positions \| Images: KCTV (March 8 (left) and June 13 (right), 2025), edited by NK News North Korea has deleted the country’s top navy commander and the manager of the shipyard where a warship launch disaster occurred from images in state media, according to NK News analysis, suggesting purges related to the failed launch have been wider than previously reported. During coverage Friday afternoon of the destroyer’s relaunch ceremony, Korean Central Television (KCTV) showed still images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the warship under construction, but with two key figures deleted. North Korea has deleted the country’s top navy commander and the manager of the shipyard where a warship launch disaster occurred from images in state media, according to NK News analysis, suggesting purges related to the failed launch have been wider than previously reported. During coverage Friday afternoon of the destroyer’s relaunch ceremony, Korean Central Television (KCTV) showed still images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the warship under construction, but with two key figures deleted. 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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North Korea scrubs navy commander from photos in sign of widening warship purge

Deletion of commander and shipyard manager from state media appears linked to failed destroyer launch last month

Colin Zwirko June 13, 2025

North Korea scrubs navy commander from photos in sign of widening warship purge

State media showed photos again Friday that were previously published in March, this time deleting two key figures in a sign of their removal from leadership positions | Images: KCTV (March 8 (left) and June 13 (right), 2025), edited by NK News

North Korea has deleted the country’s top navy commander and the manager of the shipyard where a warship launch disaster occurred from images in state media, according to NK News analysis, suggesting purges related to the failed launch have been wider than previously reported.

During coverage Friday afternoon of the destroyer’s relaunch ceremony, Korean Central Television (KCTV) showed still images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the warship under construction, but with two key figures deleted.

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North Korea scrubs navy commander from photos in sign of widening warship purge

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