North Korea has arrested a senior official over the failed launch of Kim Jong Un’s new warship that has enraged the country's dictator.
Ri Hyong-son, deputy director of the Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department, is among four people detained so far for their alleged role in the “serious accident" last week, state media said.
The 5,000-ton destroyer tipped over and damaged its hull in front of Kim on Wednesday, in what Pyongyang described as a "criminal act" that "severely damaged (North Korea’s) dignity and pride".
Kim earlier said the incident was caused by "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism".
An inspection found there were no holes at the bottom of the warship and the extent of the damage was claimed to be "not serious".
However, the ship’s hull was scratched and water flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel.
Repairs on the vessel are underway on the guidance of an “expert” group, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
Kim, who succeeded his late father Kim Jong Il as leader of North Korea in 2011, has reportedly ordered the ship to be restored before a ruling party meeting next month.
"The work for completely restoring the balance of the warship is being actively conducted... according to its schedule," KCNA reported on Monday.
Mr Ri is part of the party's Central Military Commission, which commands the Korean People's Army and is responsible for enforcing Kim’s military policies.
Absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism
He was arrested on Sunday, along with the ship’s chief engineer, its construction head and an administrative manager at the Chongjin Shipyard, where the ship was built and where its launch failed.
It is not clear what punishment the four might face, but North Korea has been known to sentence government figures it finds guilty of wrongdoing to forced labour or even death.
The accident comes weeks after North Korea unveiled a similar naval warship in the Port of Nampo that is supposedly equipped with nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
North Korea — one of the poorest nations on earth — continues to flaunt his nuclear capabilities with its series of tests on cruise and hypersonic missiles.
Kim is also said to have sent around 12,000 troops, including special forces, to support Russia in its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
