North Korea Uprights Capsized Warship After Botched Launch as Kim Jong Un Orders Accountability

A satellite image shows a North Korean warship covered with a blue tarp after an accident that occurred during its launch at the shipyard in Chongjin

North Korea has restored its partially capsized Choe Hyun-class destroyer to an upright position following a failed launch ceremony that reportedly infuriated leader Kim Jong Un, U.S. researchers revealed Wednesday. The 5,000-ton warship, which tipped over during its unveiling on May 21, had remained tilted at the port in Chongjin for nearly two weeks.

Commercial satellite imagery from June 2 confirmed that the warship is now upright, according to an analysis by 38 North, a program focused on developments in North Korea. The recovery marks the first visible progress since the mishap, which Kim said damaged the country’s dignity. He has vowed to hold responsible parties accountable, reportedly detaining multiple officials and demanding the vessel be repaired before a key ruling party meeting this month.

The satellite images captured workers at the port manually attempting to right the ship. Observers noted the use of tethers and possibly barrage balloons in the operation. While the destroyer has been returned to a vertical position, its bow remains grounded onshore. There may be damage to the ship’s sonar section, researchers noted.

“To repair this, the ship will need to be moved out of the water to either a large floating drydock or graving dock once afloat,” the report stated. However, the Chongjin shipyard, located on North Korea’s east coast, does not have such infrastructure. Historically, the yard has produced mostly cargo and fishing vessels, with limited capacity and experience in launching large naval warships.

The launch failure has exposed critical gaps in North Korea’s shipbuilding capabilities and raised questions about the country’s readiness to expand its blue-water navy. The Choe Hyun-class destroyer was expected to be a significant addition to the regime’s military fleet, aimed at enhancing maritime deterrence and asserting presence in regional waters.

Leader Kim’s reaction to the failed ceremony underscores the symbolic and strategic importance the regime places on its naval advancements. His public condemnation and swift directive for repairs reflect both the political weight of military prestige and the urgency to maintain appearances amid escalating regional tensions.