Overview
On May 21, 2025, North Korea’s most advanced warship sank during its launch ceremony in Chongjin, revealing major gaps between its military ambitions and technical capacity.
The Launch Event and Catastrophic Failure
- At 10:47 a.m., the launch ceremony for a new 5,000-ton destroyer began with Kim Jong-un in attendance.
- At 10:52 a.m., the ship’s stern support system detached, causing the vessel to slide uncontrollably.
- By 10:54 a.m., emergency crews responded as the ship tilted dangerously.
- At 10:58 a.m., the stern entered the water while the bow remained stuck, causing structural failure.
- By 11:05 a.m., the destroyer lay on its side, partially submerged in Chongjin Harbor.
- Blue tarps were used to conceal the wreckage from satellite surveillance within hours.
Technical and Procedural Failures
- Chongjin shipyard lacked a floating dry dock and used a risky sideways launch method unsuitable for such a large vessel.
- The Cho Hyion-class destroyer, equipped with advanced weaponry, was intended to elevate North Korean naval power.
- Improper release of hull support mechanisms created uneven stresses, leading to catastrophic damage.
- Naval experts cited distorted hull, induced cracks, and possible snapped keel due to uncoordinated launch procedures.
Aftermath and Political Response
- Kim Jong-un labeled the incident a “criminal act” and blamed carelessness.
- Chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Koan Hack, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hack were arrested.
- State media downplayed damage, but independent intelligence and imagery confirmed a total launch failure.
- Kim Jong-un ordered restoration within a month, despite lacking the necessary dry dock facilities for repairs.
Broader Implications and Expert Analysis
- The incident exposed the disparity between North Korean propaganda and actual military capability.
- Experts noted that absence of technical infrastructure and expertise undermined the project.
- The failure became internationally documented, showing that political pressure in authoritarian regimes can lead to dangerous technical shortcuts.
- The partially submerged warship remains in Chongjin Harbor, symbolizing ongoing challenges in military modernization.