North Korea has detained shipyard officials after a failed launch of a new warship that left a 5,000-ton naval destroyer damaged, state media reported. The accident occurred in the northeastern port of Chongjin, where officials arrested the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard, among others, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un reportedly expressed disappointment after witnessing the failure, which he described as an affront to the country’s dignity. The damaged warship, covered in blue tarps and lying on its side in the harbor, is set to be restored before a ruling party meeting in June. Kim’s criticism of the incident underscores North Korea’s continued focus on military development, despite the setbacks.
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