Kim Jong Un lets rip after warship capsizes during launch in North Korea
Kim watched on in horror as the 5,000-ton warship fell off the dry dock and was severely damaged after failing to launch properly.
He declared the mishap a 'criminal act caused by absolute carelessness' that 'could not be tolerated'.
Kim was less than impressed by the blunder, saying: 'This is a serious accident and criminal act that could not have happened and could not be tolerated due to pure carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.
'The urgent restoration of the destroyer is not a simple practical issue, but a political issue directly related to the authority of the country.
'It must be completed unconditionally before the June plenary session of the Central Committee of the Party.'
The new ship appears to be of the same class as the 5,000-ton destroyer Choi Hyun-ho that North Korea launched in April.
Kim unveiled the nuclear-capable naval destroyer that he said will bolster North Korea's ability to defend itself in the face of perceived aggression from the U.S. and its regional allies.
The North Korean leader attended the warship's launch ceremony last month at the western port of Nampo with his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae (pictured left), according to state-run media.
Kim said the 5,000-ton vessel would bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military.
The 'multi-purpose' destroyer, designed to handle a variety of arms including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, was touted as the first in a new class of heavily armed warships.
Kim, who has framed the arms buildup as a response to the supposed danger posed by the U.S. and its allies in Asia, said the destroyer would be handed over to the navy early next year before beginning active duty.
War footing: The North Korean leader is arming against a perceived threat from the U.S.
Jo Chun Ryong, a secretary in the ruling Workers' Party, claimed the ship was equipped with the 'most powerful weapons' and was built 'within 400-odd days'.
Kim also took aim at efforts by the U.S. and South Korea to expand joint military exercises and update their nuclear deterrence strategies, which he portrayed as preparations for war.
He vowed to 'respond decisively to this geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments,' the Korean Central News Agency reported.
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