**Satellite Imagery Reveals Damage to North Korean Warship Amid Investigation**

**In a rare admission of local mishaps, North Korea's leader condemned the incident as a 'criminal act', prompting scrutiny of the shipyard's management.**

New satellite imagery has unveiled the significant extent of damage inflicted upon a North Korean warship due to a recent shipyard accident. Captured in photos, the vessel is seen lying on its side, shrouded under large blue tarpaulins in the eastern port city of Chongjin. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, present at the time of the incident, has labeled the event a "criminal act," sparking an official investigation.

Reports from North Korea's state media, KCNA, have clarified that, while damage occurred, it is being characterized as "not serious." Contrary to initial assessments, there were no breaches in the hull's bottom, with only minor scratches noted. However, KCNA confirmed that a certain amount of seawater made its way into the stern section through a rescue channel.

As the investigation unfolds, the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, has been called in by law enforcement agencies for questioning. According to KCNA, repairs to restore the destroyer's side are estimated to take roughly 10 days. Kim argued that the accident was due to "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," indicating possible repercussions for those involved, who may face consequences during a plenary meeting set for next month.

It is essential to note that public acknowledgment of accidents is relatively rare for the secretive North Korean regime, although there have been isolated instances in the past. This incident follows shortly after North Korea unveiled another warship, the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, which Kim heralded as a significant advancement in the modernization of the nation’s naval forces, with plans for its deployment in the upcoming year.