North Korea has successfully launched a 5,000-ton destroyer after repairing damage sustained during a failed launch attempt last May. The country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, presided over the ceremony held Thursday at the Rajin shipyard, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). During the event, Kim also announced plans to build two more destroyers of the same class next year.
The warship, named Kang Kon in honor of the first Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army—who died in combat during the Korean War—partially capsized during its initial launch on May 21 in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. Kim denounced the incident as an “intolerable criminal act” that had “deeply tarnished the honor and pride of the nation.”
“In just two weeks, the ship was safely righted and refloated, achieving full restoration,” Kim stated during the ceremony. He also revealed that a shipyard manager died as a result of the accident and extended his condolences, promising to honor him as a patriotic martyr.
Kim justified the naval expansion by citing what he called increasingly “provocative actions” by the United States and its allies. He warned of “corresponding force” and “decisive military actions,” effectively rejecting Washington’s recent proposal for dialogue. According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump had attempted to send a letter to Kim through North Korean diplomats in New York, which Pyongyang refused to accept.
Kim’s daughter, Ju-ae, appeared by his side at the ceremony, dressed in white and increasingly taking on a public role in state functions. Several high-ranking officials were also present, including Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, and Party Secretary Jo Yong-won.
Photos released by KCNA also confirmed a leadership change within the navy: Pak Kwang-sop has replaced Kim Myong-sik as commander of the North Korean Navy.
