North Korea’s Warship Capsizing: A Rare Glimpse into the Country’s Military Capabilities
A recent incident involving the capsizing of a North Korean warship during its launch ceremony has raised questions about the country’s military capabilities and the leadership style of Kim Jong Un. According to Mr. Choi, head of South Korea’s Submarine Research Institute, it is extremely rare for a destroyer of this class to capsize during its construction and launch, given the advanced technology required to build one. This would therefore have been "a very embarrassing incident" for Kim Jong Un, as it "highlights the limitations of North Korea’s shipbuilding".
The incident occurred in front of a crowd of spectators, including Kim Jong Un and his daughter, who were attending the ship’s launch ceremony. Mr. Choi believes that Kim Jong Un would have been furious about the incident, stating that "North Korea is obsessed with showing off. I imagine they were planning a whole series of performances, so of course Kim couldn’t help but be furious". The fact that the warship capsized in front of such a high-profile audience would have added to the embarrassment.
However, experts in North Korean propaganda believe that there is more to Kim Jong Un’s outburst than raw anger and humiliation. According to Rachel Minyoung Lee from the Washington-based Stimson Centre, who has analysed North Korean propaganda for decades, Kim Jong Un’s decision to publicise the capsizing was a deliberate political strategy. This approach shows that Kim is shifting away from the regime’s tendency to conceal unpleasant truths. As Ms. Lee explained, "Before Kim came to power, and even in the early years of his rule, the regime would hide anything negative as a way to control the narrative".
The change in strategy is thought to be a response to the increasing spread of information within North Korea. With it becoming harder to cover up major incidents, the leadership has decided to adopt a more transparent approach. Ms. Lee stated that "The leadership decided it was almost silly to try and hide what people already knew, and much more effective to show people they were dealing with problems". By publicising the incident and calling out those responsible, Kim Jong Un aimed to demonstrate accountability and show that the government is taking action.
The repairs to the warship were completed ahead of schedule, in just over three weeks, defying the expectations of naval experts. According to Kim Dong-yup, an assistant professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, "The rapid relaunch shows how even a failure can be turned into a political success". This outcome suggests that Kim Jong Un’s strategy may have worked, at least in the short term.
The incident provides a rare glimpse into North Korea’s military capabilities and the leadership style of Kim Jong Un. As reported by the BBC, the capsizing of the warship highlights the challenges faced by North Korea’s shipbuilding industry. The country’s obsession with showcasing its military prowess, combined with the need for greater transparency, has led to a shift in Kim Jong Un’s propaganda strategy. As experts continue to analyse the situation, one thing is clear: Kim Jong Un is determined to present a strong image, even in the face of setbacks.
The incident also raises questions about the future of North Korea’s military capabilities and the country’s shipbuilding industry. With the global community keeping a close eye on the country’s military developments, Kim Jong Un’s leadership will continue to be scrutinised. As Mr. Choi noted, the capsizing of the warship is a rare occurrence, and it remains to be seen how North Korea will respond to future challenges.
The reporting from this article is sourced from the BBC.
