When a North Korean warship capsized during its launch on 21 May 2025, the world saw a military error. But inside the country, it became a tool for control. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un used the incident to test loyalty, punish officials, and reinforce his regime's power.
The 5,000-ton destroyer, one of the largest naval vessels in the country, tipped over shortly after entering the water. There were no casualties, and the damage was minor.
