North Korean authorities have reportedly 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 shows. However, the recent arrests of four officials demonstrate Kim Jong-un's strong commitment to his military development plans and to strengthening discipline within the country.

A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday during a launch ceremony at Chongjin port, while Kim was present. A transport cradle on the ship's back detached too early. Later, satellite images showed the ship had turned over and was partly underwater, covered by blue tarpaulins.

The incident made Kim very angry because the warship, which is the country's second known destroyer, is very important for his plan to update his naval forces. He quickly blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators, calling their actions a "criminal act caused by complete carelessness, irresponsibility, and a lack of scientific method."

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

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

The KCNA had previously reported that Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, was also summoned for questioning.

In a directive given to investigators on Thursday, North Korea's powerful Central Military Commission stated that those accountable "can never avoid their responsibility for the wrongdoing." However, the specific punishment for the arrested officials is still unclear.

Early in his rule, Kim became well-known for arranging many executions and removals of high-ranking officials, including his powerful uncle's killing. However, experts believe these actions were mainly to strengthen his control and remove possible threats to his leadership. Recently, there have been fewer reports of executions or purges in North Korea as Kim has gained complete power, similar to his father and grandfather.

Kim has reportedly given special treatment to scientists and engineers working in the weapons development industry, as he has been actively trying to increase his nuclear and missile capabilities. He has provided them with new apartments in Pyongyang. Additionally, after a military spy satellite launch failed last year, he reportedly sent a supportive message to his scientists about the setback, stating that "a failure is always a necessary step for success," according to state media.

Experts believe Kim is keen to make significant progress on his five-year arms development plan, which was established during a ruling party meeting in early 2021. Kim has stated that North Korea needs stronger naval forces, as well as nuclear-capable missiles and other advanced weapons, to deal with what he describes as increasing security threats led by the U.S.

Last month, North Korea launched its first destroyer, a 5,000-ton ship, with a lot of public excitement. State media reported that this ship is North Korea's biggest and most advanced warship, built to carry different weapons, including nuclear missiles. Kim Jong-un called its creation a "breakthrough" for modernizing North Korea's navy.

North Korea denied that the second destroyer was badly damaged, stating that there were only minor scratches on the right side of the ship and a small amount of water entered the back part.

North Korea announced on Friday that it would require around ten days to complete repairs; however, many international observers suggested that the country had probably minimized the severity of the damage.