Pyongyang: North Korea announced the launch of a repaired 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Kang Kon, with leader Kim Jong-un attending the ceremony at the Rajin shipyard. The destroyer had been damaged during its initial launch attempt in May. Kim unveiled plans to construct two additional destroyers next year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Kang Kon was the first chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army and died during the Korean War. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the destroyer was restored and set afloat within two weeks, following an accident in late May when it tipped over in Chongjin port. Kim criticized the incident as a criminal act due to carelessness and ordered the ship's restoration before a party meeting in June.

The ship was moved to the Rajin shipyard for restoration, where Kim announced the Central Military Commission's approval for building two more destroyers. He cited threats from the United States and other countries, stating North Korea would respond with military actions, rejecting recent dialogue overtures from Washington.

Kim's comments came amid reports of U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to send a letter to Kim, which was refused by North Korean diplomats. South Korea's unification ministry noted the absence of hostile remarks toward Seoul, indicating a cautious approach towards inter-Korean relations under South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's administration, which aims to ease tensions and promote dialogue.

The unification ministry highlighted the difference in rhetoric compared to the April launch of the destroyer Choe Hyon, where both the U.S. and South Korea were accused of escalating tensions. The ministry suggested North Korea might be managing its messaging toward South Korea due to changing circumstances on the Korean Peninsula.

Chang Yoon-jeong, a unification deputy spokesperson, noted that the ceremony aimed to publicize the vessel's restoration and save face after the initial damage. The ministry plans to verify the destroyer's operational status and monitor possible live-fire drills demonstrating its capabilities.

Kim also mourned the death of a dockyard manager following the failed launch attempt, recognizing him as a patriotic victim. Photos from the KCNA showed Kim's daughter Ju-ae at the ceremony, along with top officials, indicating Pak Kwang-sop's replacement of Kim Myong-sik as the chief navy commander.