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 serious Kim Jong-un is about his military development and strengthening discipline within the country.

A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin. Kim was present when a transport cradle at the ship's back detached too early. Satellite images of the location show the ship lying on its side, covered in blue, with some parts underwater.

Kim was very angry about the warship's failure because this second destroyer was very important for his plan to update the navy. He quickly blamed military officials, scientists, and people who work at the shipyard, saying the incident was a "criminal act" caused by "complete carelessness, irresponsibility, and not using scientific methods."

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

KCNA reported on Sunday that the authorities arrested three officials at Chongjin Shipyard because of the incident. These officials 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 called in for questioning.

On Thursday, North Korea's Central Military Commission told investigators that those who were responsible "can never escape their responsibility for the crime." However, it is still not clear what punishment the arrested officials will face.

Early in his rule, Kim became well-known for carrying out many executions and purges of high-ranking officials, including his powerful uncle. However, experts believe these actions were mainly to strengthen his control and remove any possible dangers 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 has reportedly given special benefits to scientists and engineers working in the weapons development industry, as he has been trying hard to increase his nuclear and missile weapons. He has provided them with new apartments in Pyongyang. After a military spy satellite launch failed last year, he reportedly sent a message of support to his scientists about the problem, saying, according to state media, that 'a failure is always a necessary step for success.'

Experts think Kim Jong-un wants to make significant progress in his five-year plan for developing weapons, which was created at a ruling party meeting in early 2021. He has said that North Korea needs stronger naval forces, as well as missiles that can carry nuclear weapons 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 public excitement. This ship is North Korea’s biggest and most advanced warship. State media reported that it is built to carry different weapons, possibly including nuclear missiles. Kim described its creation as a significant step forward in making North Korea’s navy more modern.

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

North Korea stated on Friday that it would need about 10 days to fix things, but many people outside the country believed that North Korea probably made the damage seem less severe than it was.