North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the relaunch of a 5,000-ton destroyer on Thursday, less than a month after the same vessel capsized during a failed inaugural launch.
State media described the repaired warship, named Kang Kon, as a symbol of the country’s determination to expand naval power amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific.
The State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the destroyer was successfully floated at the Rajin shipyard on North Korea’s east coast following a two-week restoration effort. “In two weeks’ time, the vessel was brought upright safely and set afloat, accomplishing its complete restoration today as planned, ” Kim said, according to KCNA.
🇰🇵 Kim Jong Un during the Ceremony of Launching of a new Choe-Hyun class Destroyer, the “Kang Kon” No. 2. (June 13) pic.twitter.com/f8ubwW8Exg
— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) June 13, 2025
Kim, who boarded the ship during the launch ceremony, framed the incident as a challenge overcome by national resolve. The failed launch in May, which left the warship partially submerged, had earlier drawn Kim’s public condemnation as a case of “criminal negligence.” North Korean authorities detained four officials, including a vice director from the ruling Workers’ Party’s munitions industry department, in response.
Satellite imagery reviewed in recent weeks by analysts had shown continued activity around the Kang Kon as shipyard crews worked to refloat the vessel. Outside experts remain skeptical about the condition of the ship’s internal systems, including engines, weapons, and electronics, after being submerged for an extended period.
Today, #KimJongUn posed for congratulatory photos with the builders and crewmen of the new Choe Hyon-class destroyer “Kang Kon” pic.twitter.com/wQgpoWKMit
— North Korean Archives and Library (NKAAL) (@NorthNKAAL) June 13, 2025
South Korean military assessments suggest the destroyers are 5,000-ton-class vessels, potentially modeled with assistance from Russia.
During Thursday’s ceremony, Kim reiterated that North Korea’s naval expansion is a response to what he called “escalating U.S.-led threats.”
In recent years, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have increased joint military exercises and regional deterrence efforts to counter North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. In turn, Kim pledged to pursue “overwhelming military action,” stating the destroyers would play a “big role” in strengthening maritime capabilities.
In a rare acknowledgment of casualties, KCNA also reported that a North Korean shipyard worker died during the vessel’s repair. Kim offered condolences to the man’s wife and son, who were in attendance at the relaunch event.
The North Korean leader also announced plans to build two more destroyers of similar class next year, further reinforcing his ambition to expand the country’s presence in what he calls “long-range operational zones.”
