North Korea has detained a fourth official in connection with the failed launch of a new warship, an incident that has deeply angered the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

According to state-run news agency KCNA, Ri Hyong-son, deputy director of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Munitions Industry Department, was “largely responsible for the serious accident” that occurred last week.

The 5,000-ton destroyer reportedly tipped over during the launch, damaging its hull—an event Kim labeled a “criminal act” that “gravely harmed the dignity and pride” of the nation.

KCNA added that the vessel is currently undergoing repairs under the supervision of a specialized group of experts.

Ri, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission, is the most senior official arrested so far in connection with the incident. The commission oversees the Korean People’s Army and is tasked with shaping and implementing the country’s military policies.

Over the weekend, three additional officials were detained at the Chongjin shipyard in the north, where the destroyer was built and where the launch took place. Those arrested include the shipyard’s chief engineer, the head of construction, and an administrative manager.

Kim Jong Un blamed the failed launch on what he described as “utter carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism” during a statement last Wednesday.

Although the exact consequences for those arrested remain unclear, North Korea has a history of punishing officials found guilty of serious errors with forced labor—or in extreme cases—even execution.

It is rare for North Korea to publicly acknowledge domestic failures, though similar disclosures have occurred in the past, particularly following unsuccessful satellite launches.

Some experts interpret Kim’s rapid and harsh response as a message that North Korea is determined to push ahead with its military ambitions.

Chun In-bum, a former commander of South Korea’s special forces, said that while such internal criticism is typical in autocratic regimes, it is unusual for North Korea’s state media to report it so openly. “This may reflect a newfound confidence or an attempt to display resilience,” he said. “With this new class of warships, North Korea may be gearing up to more directly challenge South Korea’s sovereignty.”

Michael Madden, a North Korea specialist at the Stimson Center in Washington, suggested the episode underscores the regime’s prioritization of naval development. He noted that the failure might have stemmed from excessive demands placed on both personnel and production teams: “It appears there was an unusual level of internal pressure to complete this project quickly.”

The shipyard accident comes just weeks after North Korea showcased a similar warship elsewhere in the country. Kim had praised that vessel as a “breakthrough” in modernizing the navy and announced plans to deploy it early next year.