Kim Jong Un Slams ‘Serious’ Warship Accident at Launch Event

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Kim Jong Un, center, inspects the military exercises in North Korea on May 13.Source: Korean Central News Agency/AP Photo

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By Shinhye Kang and Seyoon Kim

May 22, 2025 at 12:48 AM UTC

Updated on

May 22, 2025 at 4:32 AM UTC

North Korea suffered a “serious accident” during the launch ceremony for a new destroyer, an event that was overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said.

The incident occurred Wednesday due to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness” resulting in some sections of the warship’s keel being destroyed, with the bow unable to exit the shipway, the KCNA report said Thursday.