N. Koreans criticize mass arrests after destroyer launch disaster

As North Korea continues arresting officials responsible for the failed launch of a new destroyer at Chongjin Shipyard, some North Koreans are criticizing the government’s approach of blaming all problems on officials.

According to a North Hamgyong province source recently, “Chongjin residents have been talking about the officials who were arrested one after another over the shipyard accident. While the state claims to be making an example of responsible officials, people are criticizing this.”

North Korea held a launch ceremony on May 21 for a newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer at Chongjin Shipyard, with Kim Jong Un in attendance. However, during the launch process, the destroyer ran aground and suffered significant damage.

Witnessing the incident, Kim called it “a serious major accident and criminal act” and ordered punishment of those responsible. Subsequently, Chongjin Shipyard Director Hong Gil Ho was summoned by legal authorities, and working-level officials including chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull assembly workshop director Han Kyong Hak, and administrative deputy director Kim Yong Hak were arrested, followed by the arrest of Ri Hyong Son, deputy director of the Central Committee’s munitions industry department.

These details were fully disclosed through North Korean media, leaving many people—particularly those in Chongjin where the shipyard is located—visibly uncomfortable.

According to the source, Chongjin residents are criticizing the government’s practice of shifting all responsibility to officials, expressing frustration that authorities encourage bold action while penalizing even minor errors with arrests. People argue that humans cannot be expected to succeed constantly and point out that failure can be a learning experience rather than grounds for punishment.

Regime’s laser focus on “loyalty” a problem for some

The general public sentiment appears to be that it’s wrong to focus solely on officials’ negligence in this accident.

Moreover, some people believe that it’s too harsh to frame the destroyer launch failure as a political issue, calling it “a fall of national dignity and pride.”

Indeed, North Korean authorities appear to be treating this as a matter of “lack of loyalty,” citing insufficient preliminary inspections and preparations despite this being a top-priority event attended by Kim, and are pursuing political responsibility accordingly.

Regarding this, the source said, “In North Korea, not even a single mistake in loyalty to the leader is tolerated. Whether it’s performances or events, everything must be perfect without a single error, and even the slightest deviation makes punishment hard to avoid.”

He added, “This event was particularly significant since the leader attended personally and was even accompanied by his daughter. When an accident occurs at such an event, it would be considered a serious political flaw.”