STERN WARNING

Kim Jong Un Brags His Warship Is Back in Action After Humiliating Botched Launch

The 5,000-ton destroyer’s hull was crushed when it twisted during launch last month.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said Thursday that a navy destroyer which capsized during its launch last month has been repaired and will soon be delivered to the fleet. The 5,000-ton Kang Kon was righted and returned to dry dock following what Kim previously called a “serious accident,” according to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). After the gaffe, the embarrassed despot sounded off against the “criminal act” that disgraced the nation. He said the accident was caused by the “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility” of the state institutions in charge of building the ship and vowed retribution for officials, at least four of whom have since been detained. The vessel tipped onto its side in late May, and a so-called “miracle” has taken place to fix it. Kim, who visited the site this week, said two more destroyers would be completed by next year. Defense experts say the speed of the recovery is notable, but doubt that the vessel is operational. Images released by KCNA did not show key systems, including radar or missile launchers.