![This composite image compares the original, left, and edited versions of an image during the inspection of a then under-construction warship by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right in both images, in March. [SCREEN CAPTURE]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0616-purge.jpg)
Senior officials involved in the failed launch of North Korea’s new destroyer have been erased from state media, raising speculation that they may have been imprisoned or executed.
According to NK News, Korean Central Television (KCTV) aired footage on June 13 of the re-launch ceremony for the warship Kang Kon, which had previously run aground in March, with Kim Jong-un observing. During the latest broadcast, KCTV replayed scenes from Kim’s March visit to the shipyard but notably edited out two key figures: Kim Myong-sik, former naval commander, and Hong Kil-ho, head of the Chongjin Shipyard.
Both men had appeared alongside Kim in earlier footage, but their absence suggests they were punished in connection with the destroyer incident. Hong Kil-ho was reportedly the first to be summoned by judicial authorities. While North Korea has never publicly acknowledged disciplining Kim Myong-sik, his replacement by Pak Kwang-sub as naval commander was confirmed during the recent ceremony, implying accountability.
Neither official attended the re-launch event. Analysts believe the deliberate removal of their images signals severe disciplinary action. According to NK News, this marks the first known media deletion of high-ranking figures since the 2013 execution of Jang Song-thaek.
Kim Myong-sik last appeared in uniform during the Central Military Commission meeting on May 30. However, observers suggest he may have been disciplined during that meeting. Officially, North Korea has acknowledged detaining only five individuals related to the destroyer incident.
The scope of the punishment may go further. Notably, Pak Jong-chon, one of the most powerful military figures in North Korea, was absent from the re-launch despite leading a previous launch event in April.
Other individuals known to have been arrested include Kang Jong-chol, the shipyard’s chief engineer; Han Kyong-hak, head of hull assembly; and Kim Yong-hak, shipyard administrative manager. The nature of their punishments remains undisclosed.
BY BAE JAE-SUNG [hongdoya@joongang.co.kr]
