Did North Korea Alter Images to Exclude Ex-Naval Commander After Warship Incident?
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Synopsis
North Korea seems to have manipulated state media images, excluding key figures following a disastrous warship launch. This unusual move echoes past purges, raising questions about the regime's internal dynamics. What does this signify for the military leadership in Pyongyang? Explore the implications of these changes in North Korea's naval command.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea edited state media images after a failed warship launch.
- Key figures were removed, indicating internal power struggles.
- The Kang Kon destroyer faced a significant mishap during its launch.
- Such edits echo historical purges within the regime.
- Leadership is keen to maintain a controlled narrative.
Seoul, June 14 (NationPress) It seems that North Korea has altered recent images in state media to exclude a prominent naval officer following the unfortunate launch incident of a new warship last month, as reported by local media.
In footage released by state media during the relaunch ceremony of the 5,000-ton Kang Kon destroyer on Friday, Kim Myong-sik, the former chief of the navy, was conspicuously missing from the visuals showcasing leader Kim Jong-un's prior inspection of the ship's construction.
Additionally, Hong Kil-ho, the manager of the Chongjin Shipyard, where the destroyer's incident reportedly took place, also seemed to have been removed from the images, as cited by Yonhap and reported by NK News.
According to NK News, such deletions of officials from photographs have been rare since the 2013 execution of Jang Song-thaek, an uncle of the country's leader who was ousted from top positions.
The North Korean leader was present at the relaunch ceremony on Thursday after the warship failed to launch successfully into the sea on May 21. Satellite images captured after the failed attempt indicated that the vessel had capsized and was partially submerged.
Following the incident, North Korean state media indicated that Hong had been called in for questioning by law enforcement. Images from this week's relaunch ceremony suggested that Pak Kwang-sop had succeeded Kim Myong-sik as the chief naval commander.
Earlier on Friday, a North Korean destroyer, which was damaged during last month's failed launch, was relaunched, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the ceremony.
The event for the ship, named Kang Kon, took place on Thursday at the Rajin shipyard, located along the coast from where the failed launch transpired.
Last month, Pyongyang reported that a “serious accident” occurred during the May 21 attempt to launch the 5,000-ton destroyer in the northeastern port city of Chongjin, which resulted in damage to parts of the ship’s hull.
Kim described the incident as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness,” and state media disclosed the apprehension of four officials linked to the failed launch.
Point of View
The recent image alterations by North Korea highlight the regime's continued emphasis on maintaining a carefully curated narrative. The removal of officials from state media not only signifies internal strife but also showcases the lengths the leadership will go to maintain its authority and public image.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did North Korea edit state media images?
North Korea edited state media images to remove key figures following a failed warship launch, possibly to distance the leadership from the incident.
What was the incident that led to these edits?
The incident involved the Kang Kon destroyer, which capsized during its launch attempt on May 21, causing significant damage.
Who was removed from the images?
Key figures like Kim Myong-sik, the former navy commander, and Hong Kil-ho, manager of the shipyard, were notably absent from the edited images.
What are the implications of these edits?
The edits reflect ongoing power dynamics within North Korea's leadership and a continued effort to control the narrative surrounding military failures.
How does this compare to past purges?
This action is reminiscent of past purges, such as the execution of Jang Song-thaek, showcasing the regime’s history of removing individuals who fail to meet expectations.
