It's not common for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks, but observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests that Kim is serious about his naval advancement program.

North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its navy faced a big problem this week. The country’s second new naval destroyer was seriously damaged while being launched into the water. North Korea’s New Destroyer Faces a Major Accident During Launch This happened during an official ceremony on May 21,

Kim promised to punish those responsible for the “catastrophic failure” after the naval vessel partially capsized during a ceremony attended by the leader.