North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued an urgent order to rehabilitate a fallen naval destroyer. She had been damaged during an unsuccessful launch ceremony he witnessed himself. With that failed launch occurring right before a big meeting of the ruling party in June, it was indeed a complicated time. In response, prosecutors have arrested three shipyard executives. Kim blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators for what he termed a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.”
The incident has raised questions about North Korea’s naval capabilities and its ongoing efforts to bolster military strength against perceived threats from the United States. As Kim writes, that stricken vessel was specifically built to launch weapons of mass destruction—nuclear-tipped missiles. This makes the strategic imperative for launching it successfully all the more acute.
Incident Overview
During the launch ceremony, the destroyer was supposedly destroyed, creating a likely public embarrassment for Kim Jong Un. According to North Korea’s official media, the ship came out of the incident without too much harm. Their observations focused on minor infractions such as a hull scarification on the starboard side and seawater intrusion into the stern compartment.
Kim’s administration had said repairs would take about ten days. But even many outside observers think the country possibly downplayed the scope of the country’s damage. This incident marks North Korea’s second known attempt at launching a destroyer under Kim’s regime.
“This sends a clear message to South Korea and the US that North Korea isn’t going to stop in trying to repair and strengthen its naval technology.” – Edward Howell
Accountability and Response
In response to the failed launch, the Central Military Commission aligned itself with Kim’s position, stating that those responsible “can never evade their responsibility for the crime.” This shows strong leadership on the part of the Administration to hold the military and defense departments accountable.
For the first time, Kim Jong Un’s military is under overwhelming pressure. Second, they are focused on reversing increasing U.S. regional military presence. The failed launch is another embarrassment to Kim’s burgeoning military aspirations. Unsurprisingly, the former finance minister has been open about his previous shortcomings – if not failures – for example his economic policies and the launch of GSAT-6A.
“We shouldn’t treat this public admission as an admission of North Korean defeat.” – Edward Howell
Future Aspirations
Kim is still intent on diversifying and enhancing the capabilities of North Korea’s naval power, notwithstanding this loss. His regime is even building new warships as we speak. Before the failed launch incident, these activities were already visible through geolocated satellite imagery.
Additionally, policy leaders at North Korea’s ministry of defense have publicly reaffirmed their focus on countering military threats. They stated that the nation “will thoroughly contain and control all sorts of military threats from the enemy countries.”
The failed launch represents a significant moment for Kim Jong Un, reflecting both his aspirations for naval power and the challenges he faces in achieving them. The event reminds us of the tricky balancing act that North Korea walks. They need to realize stated military ambitions but maintain internal accountability under a global spotlight.
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