North Korea has edited state media images to remove top naval officials after a failed destroyer launch. The disappearance of the ex-navy chief and shipyard manager suggests internal disciplinary actions. Kim Jong-un called the failure a “criminal act” and replaced the naval commander ahead of a relaunch ceremony.
North Korea has sparked speculation and scrutiny after recent state media broadcasts appear to have edited out senior naval officials, including a former naval commander, following a disastrous warship launch last month. The move, reminiscent of past purges in the secretive regime, suggests a possible reshuffling of key military leadership in the wake of the incident.
Edited Images Spark Speculation
According to reports from South Korean outlet Yonhap, citing NK News, state media footage released on Friday of the relaunch ceremony of the 5,000-tonne Kang Kon destroyer was notably altered. The footage, showcasing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the warship, was missing two significant figures: Kim Myong-sik, the former chief of the North Korean navy, and Hong Kil-ho, the manager of the Chongjin Shipyard.
Both men are believed to be closely associated with the failed initial launch of the Kang Kon destroyer on May 21. Satellite imagery following the accident showed the destroyer capsized and partially submerged in the waters off Chongjin, a northeastern port city. The absence of Kim Myong-sik and Hong Kil-ho in the recent footage is seen by analysts as a sign of their likely removal from their posts — or worse.
From Naval Failure to Political Fallout
The failed May 21 launch of the Kang Kon destroyer represented a significant embarrassment for the regime. The ship, considered a new asset in North Korea’s naval expansion, reportedly suffered a structural collapse during the launch attempt, damaging its lower hull. The mishap was severe enough to draw personal rebuke from Kim Jong-un, who labeled the event a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness.”
In the aftermath, state media reported that Hong Kil-ho had been summoned by law enforcement for investigation. Furthermore, four officials were reportedly arrested in connection with the failed launch, though their identities and current status remain undisclosed. The incident’s fallout has led to significant speculation about internal disciplinary action and possible political purges.
Leadership Changes and Relaunch Ceremony
The relaunch of the Kang Kon destroyer took place on Thursday at the Rajin shipyard, up the coast from Chongjin, where the original launch attempt had failed. Kim Jong-un personally presided over the event, marking a significant moment as the regime tries to reassert its control and showcase resilience after the failure.
Notably, state media images from the relaunch confirmed that Pak Kwang-sop has replaced Kim Myong-sik as the chief naval commander, signaling a clear leadership change within the Korean People’s Navy. The absence of Kim in the imagery, paired with the confirmed new appointment, strongly implies that he has been dismissed, if not formally purged from his position.
Rare Image Manipulation by State Media
The digital removal of high-ranking officials from state media images is not a common occurrence in North Korea, except during major political purges. The last prominent instance was in 2013, when Jang Song-thaek — Kim Jong-un’s uncle and a senior leader — was executed and subsequently erased from public records and photographs.
This latest act of visual revision, therefore, suggests the regime may be attempting to rewrite recent history, excising individuals deemed responsible for a public failure. Analysts suggest such acts serve as both internal warnings and public reaffirmations of Kim Jong-un’s ultimate authority.
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Implications for North Korea’s Military Ambitions
The Kang Kon destroyer is part of North Korea’s broader ambitions to modernize its military capabilities, particularly its navy. While the nation is known for its missile programs, its naval fleet has long been considered outdated and limited. The failed launch — and the intense reaction it provoked — underscores the strategic importance Pyongyang places on this new class of warships.
However, the handling of the incident also reveals the regime’s rigid intolerance for failure, even when such setbacks are part of complex engineering projects. By arresting and erasing top officials from public view, Kim Jong-un reinforces a climate of fear and accountability, ensuring loyalty even amid technological and strategic challenges.
