Pyongyang: When North Korea's new warship capsized during its launch last month, it captured international attention, with news organizations closely following its eventual refloating and relaunch last Friday. The focus on this incident, despite no casualties and minor hull damage, highlights the interest in Kim Jong Un's response to the failure.
According to BBC, the incident has less to do with the technical failure and more with Kim Jong Un's reaction. Despite possessing a growing nuclear arsenal and a large standing army, North Korea's navy is considered inferior to those of its adversaries, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Choi Il, a retired South Korean navy captain, noted that Kim Jong Un has prioritized building a modern and powerful navy equipped with nuclear weapons since the beginning of his reign.
The warship in question is a key step toward this goal, being one of two destroyers North Korea has constructed over the past year. Weighing 5,000 tonnes, these destroyers are the largest in North Korea's fleet and theoretically capable of firing nuclear short-range missiles. Mr. Choi, now leading South Korea's Submarine Research Institute, pointed out that it is extremely rare for a destroyer of this class to capsize during its construction and launch, given the advanced technology required for such a vessel.
The incident was particularly embarrassing for Kim Jong Un, as it highlighted the limitations of North Korea's shipbuilding capabilities. The failure unfolded in front of Kim, his daughter, and numerous spectators during the launch ceremony. Mr. Choi commented on North Korea's obsession with showcasing its achievements, suggesting that Kim's fury stemmed from the disruption of planned performances.
Experts in North Korean propaganda believe Kim Jong Un's decision to publicize the capsizing was a deliberate political strategy. Rachel Minyoung Lee from the Washington-based Stimson Centre explained that this marks a shift from the regime's previous tendency to conceal negative events. As information spreads more freely within North Korea, hiding significant incidents has become challenging. Ms. Lee noted that the leadership now emphasizes transparency and accountability, demonstrating that the government addresses problems and holds people responsible for failures.
The rapid repairs and relaunch of the warship within three weeks were seen as a political success. Kim Dong-yup, an assistant professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, observed that Kim Jong Un used the incident to project success and reinforce loyalty to the regime. The narrative shifted from technical failure to human error, with Kim Jong Un attributing the capsizing to carelessness and irresponsibility. In contrast, the regime praised a worker who died during construction, elevating his dedication as a symbol of devotion to the state.
This approach signifies a significant shift in North Korea's governing technique, demonstrating Kim Jong Un's ability to adapt and control the narrative. Ms. Lee emphasized the regime's determination to achieve its goals, including a nuclear-armed navy, despite global skepticism. The incident underscores Kim Jong Un's intent to transform North Korea's navy from a regional force to one capable of global operations and pre-emptive nuclear strikes, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness.