North Korean state media announced that four officials have been arrested. This happened because a naval ship launch recently failed, and leader Kim Jong Un said it was due to their serious negligence.

North Korea doesn't often announce strict punishments for officials who fail at weapons tests or military shows. The arrest of four officials this weekend shows how serious Kim is about making his military stronger and improving discipline in the country.

A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday during a launch ceremony in Chongjin, which Kim attended. A support structure at the back of the ship broke off too early. Satellite images showed the ship lying on its side, covered with blue tarpaulins, and partly underwater.

Kim was very angry about the incident because the warship, which is the country's second destroyer, is very important for his plan to make the navy more modern. He quickly blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard workers, saying it was a "criminal act" caused by extreme carelessness and a lack of scientific methods.

On Monday, North Korea's official news agency reported that Ri Hyong Son, a high-ranking official from the Workers' Party, was arrested. He was believed to be responsible for the failed rocket launch.

On Sunday, KCNA reported that three officials from Chongjin Shipyard were arrested because of the incident. Those arrested included the chief engineer, the head of the hull construction department, and the deputy manager for administration.

Hong Kil Ho, who manages the shipyard, was also asked to come in for questioning, as KCNA reported earlier.

On Thursday, North Korea's Central Military Commission told investigators that the people responsible "cannot avoid being blamed for the crime." However, it's not clear what punishment the arrested officials will receive.

When Kim first became leader, he was known for ordering many executions and removing important officials, including his powerful uncle. However, people think he did these things mainly to make his power stronger and get rid of any threats. Recently, there have been fewer reports of executions or removals in North Korea, which suggests Kim now has complete power, just like his father and grandfather.

Kim has reportedly given special benefits to scientists and engineers who develop weapons, as he has been working hard to increase his nuclear and missile supplies. He has given them new apartments in Pyongyang. Also, after a military spy satellite launch failed last year, he sent a supportive message to his scientists about the problem. State media reported that he said, "failure is always necessary for success."

Experts believe Kim wants to make good progress on his five-year plan to develop weapons, which he announced at a political meeting in early 2021. Kim has said that North Korea needs a stronger navy, missiles that can carry nuclear weapons, and other advanced weapons. He thinks these are important to deal with what he calls increasing security threats from the U.S. and its allies.

Last month, North Korea launched its first destroyer, a large 5,000-ton ship, with a big celebration. State media said it is their biggest and most modern warship, built to carry different weapons, including nuclear missiles. Kim Jong-un said building it was a big step forward for making North Korea's navy more modern.

North Korea said that the second ship was not badly damaged, explaining that the right side of the ship was only scratched and some water got into the back part.

North Korea said on Friday that it would take about 10 days to fix things, but many people outside the country thought the damage was probably worse than they said.