North Korea’s Kim Jong Un irate after destroyer is damaged during launch

washingtonpost.comPublished: 5/22/2025

Summary

Kim Jong Un called the side launch failure of North Korea's advanced destroyer a "criminal act," criticizing those involved for negligence. The incident has led to significant repairs, delaying the completion of critical naval modernization efforts, with experts warning it could slow progress by several months. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in developing and maintaining advanced warships despite Kim's emphasis on their strategic importance.