Kim Jong Un's stress visible after naval disaster
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showed visible signs of stress following the warship launch failure on May 21, 2025.
- Post-incident, several officials were detained due to their involvement in what was termed a 'criminal act' by Kim.
- The incident has grave implications for North Korea's naval ambitions and reinforces internal accountability measures.
In North Korea, the leader Kim Jong Un publicly exhibited visible signs of stress following a significant warship launch failure on May 21, 2025. This incident involved the capsizing of a Choe Hyon-class destroyer during its launch while Kim was present, leading to widespread embarrassment for the regime. Reports from South Korean media highlighted Kim's greying hair as a visible indication of the stress he experienced due to the event. As he prepared for his first public appearance post-incident, speculation swirled around the toll the event had taken on him. The launch failure was more than a personal embarrassment; it shattered the image of military prowess that North Korea aimed to portray. Following the debacle, several officials linked to the incident were detained, and Kim denounced the situation as a