Fact Check: Kim Jong Un calls serious accident with warship a 'criminal act'
What We Know
Recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned a significant incident during the launch of a new warship, referring to it as a "criminal act." This incident occurred when a 5,000-ton destroyer tipped over, damaging its hull, which Kim stated "severely damaged the dignity and pride of our nation" (BBC, ABC News). The state-run news agency KCNA reported that Kim attributed the mishap to "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism" (BBC). Following this incident, North Korea arrested several officials, including Ri Hyong-son, deputy director of the ruling Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department, who was described as "largely responsible for the serious accident" (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Kim Jong Un called the incident a "criminal act" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Both the BBC and ABC News reported Kim's direct quotes regarding the incident, confirming that he labeled it as a "criminal act" due to the severe implications it had for national pride (BBC, ABC News). The reliability of these sources is high; they are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.
Moreover, the context in which Kim made these statements is significant. Analysts suggest that his harsh criticism and the subsequent arrests of officials indicate a strong internal pressure within the regime to maintain military advancements and accountability (BBC). This unusual public acknowledgment of failure in a highly secretive state like North Korea is noteworthy and suggests a potential shift in how the regime handles internal failures.
However, it is essential to recognize that while the reports are consistent, they originate from state-controlled media and international news agencies, which may interpret the events through different lenses. The North Korean regime is known for its strict control over information, and public admissions of failure are rare, making this incident particularly significant (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that Kim Jong Un called the serious accident with the warship a "criminal act" is True. Multiple reliable sources confirm that he made this statement in response to the incident, which he deemed damaging to national pride. The context of his comments and the subsequent actions taken against officials further corroborate the severity with which the regime is treating this failure.
