North Korean authorities have arrested four officials after the recent failed launch of a naval destroyer. State media reported that leader Kim Jong Un stated the incident was due to criminal negligence.

North Korea rarely punishes officials publicly for failed weapons tests or military displays. However, the recent arrests of four officials show how seriously Kim Jong-un is committed to his military expansion and strengthening discipline within the country.

A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday during a launch ceremony in Chongjin, which Kim attended. A transport cradle at the back of the ship came off too early. Later, satellite pictures showed the ship had turned over, was partly underwater, and was covered with blue tarpaulins.

Kim was very angry about the warship incident because this destroyer, which is the country's second, is very important for his plan to make the naval forces more modern. He quickly said that military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators were responsible, calling it a "criminal act" that happened because of great carelessness, not taking responsibility, and not using a scientific method.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday that law enforcement has arrested Ri Hyong Son, who is the vice director of the munitions industry department at the ruling Workers Party's Central Committee. He reportedly stated that he was "greatly responsible" for the failed launch.

KCNA reported on Sunday that three officials from Chongjin Shipyard were arrested because of the incident. These officials were the chief engineer, the head of the hull construction workshop, and the deputy manager for administrative affairs.

Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard's director, was also called in for questioning, according to earlier KCNA reports.

In a directive given to investigators on Thursday, North Korea's powerful Central Military Commission stated that those responsible "cannot escape their responsibility for the crime." However, the punishment for the arrested officials is still unclear.

At the beginning of his rule, Kim became known for carrying out many executions and purges of important officials, including his powerful uncle. However, experts believe these actions were mainly to strengthen his control and remove possible threats to his leadership. In recent years, there have been fewer reports of executions or purges in North Korea, as Kim has built up complete power, similar to his father and grandfather.

Kim Jong-un has reportedly given special treatment to scientists and engineers working on weapons development as he has been trying to increase his nuclear and missile weapons. He has given them new apartments in Pyongyang. After a military spy satellite launch failed last year, he sent a message of support to his scientists, stating, according to state media, that "failure is always a necessary step for success."

Experts think Kim wants to make big progress in his five-year weapons development plan, which he started during a ruling party meeting in early 2021. Kim has said that North Korea needs stronger naval forces, as well as nuclear-capable missiles and other advanced weapons, to handle what he sees as growing security threats from the U.S.

Last month, North Korea launched its first destroyer, a 5,000-ton ship, with a lot of celebration. State media reported that this ship is North Korea's largest and most advanced warship, designed to carry various weapons, including nuclear missiles. Kim Jong-un called its construction "a breakthrough" in modernizing North Korea's naval forces.

North Korea denied that the second destroyer was badly damaged, stating that its right side was only slightly scratched and a small amount of seawater entered the back part.

North Korea announced on Friday that it would need around ten days to carry out repairs; however, many outside observers suggested that the country probably underestimated the damage.