ABC News reports that the incident marks a rare and significant admission of failure from the reclusive state.

North Korean authorities have detained three senior shipyard officials following the dramatic failure of a naval destroyer launch that leader Kim Jong Un publicly blamed on "criminal negligence."

ABC News reports that the incident marks a rare and significant admission of failure from the reclusive state.

According to North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the 5,000-tonne destroyer capsized during a high-profile launch ceremony on Wednesday at the port of Chongjin. Satellite imagery captured after the event showed the warship partially submerged and draped in blue covers, indicating visible damage.

Kim Jong Un, who personally attended the ceremony, condemned the incident as a "criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism."

He directed harsh criticism toward military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators.

The vessel, North Korea's second known destroyer, is designed to carry a range of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles.

Its failed debut follows the much-publicised launch of the Choe Hyon, the country's first destroyer, just last month, a launch heralded as a major milestone for the regime's military ambitions.

The detained individuals include the chief engineer, the head of the hull construction workshop, and the deputy manager for administrative affairs at Chongjin Shipyard. KCNA also reported that the shipyard’s manager, Hong Kil Ho, has been summoned for questioning.

North Korea's powerful Central Military Commission echoed Kim’s stance, stating that those responsible "can never evade their responsibility for the crime."

Despite the apparent damage, KCNA downplayed the incident, stating that "the hull on the starboard side was scratched and some seawater flowed into the stern section."

The agency claimed the warship sustained no major damage and could be repaired within 10 days.

“Unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom,” KCNA said, describing the extent of the damage as “not serious.”

However, outside experts and intelligence assessments from South Korea and the United States suggested otherwise. South Korean military officials said the vessel was left listing in the water after what they called a "side-launch attempt."

Satellite images appeared to confirm significant structural damage.

According to Dr. Edward Howell, a North Korea expert at Oxford University, Pyongyang’s public admission of the failure carries both domestic and international significance.

"This sends a clear message to South Korea and the US that North Korea isn't going to stop in trying to repair and strengthen its naval technology," said Dr. Howell. "We shouldn't treat this public admission as an admission of North Korean defeat."

He also noted that Kim’s strategy may be part of a broader effort to differentiate himself from his late father, Kim Jong Il.

“There is a domestic element of ‘naming and shaming’ officials responsible for the incident, but it was also a message intended for the international community,” Howell said.

The rehabilitation of the damaged destroyer is reportedly underway, with Kim ordering full restoration ahead of a key ruling party meeting scheduled for June. KCNA emphasised that North Korea’s armed forces "will thoroughly contain and control all sorts of military threats from the enemy countries" amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing U.S.-South Korea military cooperation.

Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence continues to monitor potential foreign involvement in North Korea’s naval advancements.

Authorities in Seoul have suggested that the Choe Hyon may have been developed with assistance from Russia, potentially in exchange for North Korean support in Ukraine.