North Korea relaunches warship that suffered embarrassing failure during initial launch
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

North Korea has repaired and relaunched their 5,000-ton warship after a botched launch in May, according to North Korean state media.

The second warship was once again upright in the water, according to the North Korean news agency KCNA.

The communist country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, was in attendance to give a speech and spoke about the failed launch.

“Of course, we felt panic-stricken in front of the unexpected and ridiculous accident caused while launching this destroyer in Chongjin last month,” Kim said.

Kim Jong Un at the relaunch their warship

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center, and his daughter attend a launch ceremony of a destroyer named Kang Kon at the Rajin shipyard in Rason, North Korea, Thursday, June 12, 2025. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) ((Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP))

However, this setback hasn’t seemed to slow down Kim’s ambitions as he promised more warships to come.

“Warships of a new generation are to be launched one after another in the coming years, and they will form the backbone of our maritime defense forces,” Kim said.

The ship, which Kim has reportedly named “Kang Kon,” was moved to the Rajin shipyard after being set up right, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The total extent of the damage to the ship is unknown as it never left the dry dock.

Aerial view of North Korean warship Kang Kon

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows a destroyer named Kang Kon during its launch ceremony at the Rajin shipyard in Rason, North Korea, Thursday, June 12, 2025. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency.  ((Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP))

Satellite images previously released by South Korea had shown the ship lying on its side.

Reported previously by KCNA, the “Kang Kon” had slipped off of its ramp and became stuck.

The flatcar failed to move alongside the ship, throwing it off balance and crushing parts of the ship’s bottom.

This caused the massive warship’s stern to slide down the launch slipway, making the ship’s bow section unable to leave the ramp, according to KNCA.

The “Kang Kon” was the second naval destroyer launched within a month after Kim attended the successful launch of another 5,000-ton destroyer from Nampo, a port on the west coast of North Korea. 

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Landon Mion contributed to this story.

Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Do you have any tips? Reach out to Nick.Butler@Fox.com.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Terrifying new video shows screaming passengers run for their lives

Heart-Pounding Video Captures Passengers in a Desperate Dash for Safety

In a harrowing scene that unfolded on Saturday night, train passengers were…
British police release details on suspects after 'shocking' train attack, update on victims

British Police Unveil Suspect Details Following Disturbing Train Assault; Latest on Victim Recovery

Authorities in the U.K. released additional information regarding the victims and perpetrators…
Airports across US feeling brunt of government shutdown

US Airports Face Delays and Disruptions Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown stretches into its sixth week, airports nationwide are…
Meghan celebrates Dodgers' win alongside an unimpressed Prince Harry

Meghan Markle Cheers on Dodgers Victory While Prince Harry Remains Unfazed: An Inside Look

Meghan Markle recently offered her followers a peek into her jubilant celebration…
Second inmate in three days dies at Columbia County jail

Tragic Pattern Emerges: Another Inmate Death at Columbia County Jail Sparks Urgent Concerns

A female inmate was declared dead shortly after being discovered unresponsive in…
Arizona judge resigns after being caught allegedly urinating on street near courthouse: 'This is disgusting'

Arizona Judge Steps Down Amid Allegations of Public Misconduct Near Courthouse

An Arizona Superior Court judge has stepped down following allegations of public…
Border Patrol nabs Polish man wanted by Interpol during Chicago sweep

Interpol’s Most Wanted: Polish Fugitive Captured in Dramatic Chicago Border Patrol Operation

During a recent immigration enforcement operation in the Chicago area, federal authorities…
Trump makes romantic confession about Melania at Halloween party

Trump’s Heartfelt Halloween Confession: Melania’s Enduring Influence on His Life

During a glamorous Halloween party, former President Donald Trump expressed a wish…