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North Korea detains fourth official over failed warship launch
North Korea has arrested a fourth high-ranking official in connection with the recent failed launch of a new warship that caused significant damage to a 5,000-ton destroyer, according to state media reports released Monday.
During last Wednesday’s launch ceremony, a major accident occurred that crushed parts of the ship’s underside. Leader Kim Jong Un condemned the incident as a "criminal act" resulting from "absolute carelessness."
Ri Hyong Son, a vice director in the Munitions Industry Department of the ruling Party’s Central Committee, was detained on Sunday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated he bore significant responsibility for the mishap.
This arrest follows the detention of three other individuals over the weekend, including the shipyard's chief engineer. KCNA reported earlier that law enforcement had summoned Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager.
Despite the incident, restoration work on the damaged destroyer is underway and reportedly proceeding as scheduled. South Korean and U.S. intelligence have assessed that the ship’s “side-launch attempt” failed, causing it to tilt in the water.
However, KCNA countered these claims, reporting that internal inspections showed no holes in the hull and describing the damage as “not serious.”
South Korea's military believes the new warship resembles the Choe Hyon-class destroyer unveiled by Pyongyang last month. North Korea claims the vessel is armed with "the most powerful weapons" and is expected to become operational early next year.
Seoul suspects the Choe Hyon may have been developed with Russian assistance, possibly as part of a deal involving North Korean troops aiding Moscow in the war in Ukraine.