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 serious 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 plans and strengthening discipline within the country.

A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday during a launch ceremony at Chongjin port, with Kim present. The damage happened when a transport cradle at the back of the ship came off too early. Satellite pictures of the area show the ship lying on its side, partly underwater, and covered in blue material.

The event made Kim very angry, especially because the warship, which is the country's second known destroyer, is very important for his plan to update his navy. He quickly said that military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators were responsible, calling it a "criminal act" that happened because of extreme carelessness, not taking responsibility, and using methods that were not based on science.

On Monday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported that 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 largely 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 interrogation, according to earlier KCNA reports.

On Thursday, North Korea's powerful Central Military Commission told investigators that those responsible "cannot avoid their responsibility for the crime." However, it is still unclear what punishment the arrested officials will receive.

At the start of his rule, Kim became well-known for arranging many executions and purges of high-ranking officials, including the killing of 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 established complete power, similar to that of his father and grandfather.

Kim has consistently favored scientists and engineers involved in weapons development, as he is determined to expand his nuclear and missile programs. He has provided them with new apartments in Pyongyang. After a military spy satellite launch failed last year, he sent a message through state media to his scientists, encouraging them despite the setback and stating that "failure is always a prerequisite for success."

Experts believe Kim Jong-un is keen to make significant progress on his five-year weapons development plan, which was established at a ruling party meeting in early 2021. He has stated that North Korea needs stronger naval forces, nuclear-capable missiles, and other advanced weapons to deal with what he sees as increasing security threats from the United States.

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

North Korea denied that the second destroyer was badly damaged, stating that there were only minor scratches on the right side of the hull and some seawater entered the back part.

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