North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un faced public embarrassment when his ambitious plan to showcase military prowess crumbled. During the eagerly awaited launch, their premier destroyer ship capsized in the ocean.
The incident occurred on May 22 at the Chongjin Northeastern Shipyard, with global attention fixed on this historic event. Kim Jong-un, along with his daughter, personally witnessed the mishap, which left him irate. Immediate orders were issued to pinpoint the officials responsible.
This 5,000-ton vessel was heralded as a symbol of North Korea's naval strength, a counter to American and South Korean pressures. A grand ceremony unfolded for this moment, gathering navy officers, photographers, the media, and the public. However, disaster struck as the ship hit the water, losing balance and tipping over.
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Kim's Public Disgrace
Sources reveal Kim Jong-un fuming with rage, deeming the incident a criminal act not to be tolerated. The unexpected mishap before a massive crowd, with Kim himself present, severely tarnished his public image.
The event became not just a technical failure but also a public disgrace for Kim Jong-un. For the first time in North Korea, state television broadcasted such a blunder, openly stating Kim's fury and labeling it as a 'criminal act' that won't go unpunished.
Kim's Ambitious Project
This destroyer embodied Kim Jong-un's grand vision, intended to be followed by more frigates and warships. Yet, the plan collapsed pre-launch. Satellite images visibly show the ship swathed in blue tarpaulin post-capsize. Although government claims it will be repaired in 10 days, visuals suggest otherwise.
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The world eagerly awaits whom Kim Jong-un will blame for this failure and how they will be penalized. Kim's unpredictable decisions are infamous, including:
- In 2015, executing a defense minister with artillery.
- In 2024, having 30 officials executed for failing to prevent floods.
- In October 2022, punishing two teenagers for merely watching American-South Korean web series.
Speculations abound that navy chiefs or engineers might bear the brunt of this mishap. Who will face Kim's ire, and what form will the punishment take?
