North Korea Commissions Destroyer Kang Gon, Calling It 'Clear Signal to Enemies'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the commissioning ceremony for the country's 5,000-ton destroyer "Kang Gon" yesterday (Sept. 6), emphasizing that the commissioning of the vessel sends a clear signal to the enemies.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that the commissioning ceremony for the destroyer "Kang Gon" was held grandly at Wonsan Port on Sept. 6.

Published photos showed that his daughter, Ju Ae, also attended, wearing a white skirt suit.

The commissioning ceremony followed an inspection of the honor guard, a march-past by the naval honor guard, a flag-raising ceremony, and an art performance.

Party Secretary Jo Chun-ryong delivered a report on the progress of preparations for the commissioning, and Minister of Ship Industry Kim Kwang-il handed over the transfer document to the navy.

In his speech, leader Kim stated that while the Kang Gon is on par with the Choe Hyon deployed earlier in the West Sea, its deployment in the East Sea carries "incomparable significance," and he explained the reasons at length.

He raised the issue, stating, "There is no other waters on earth where combat warships of the opposing side constantly appear and use it as a stage to unrestrictedly direct the movement, deployment, and joint war simulations of nuclear assets, and even track and deter the legitimate exercise of the right to self-defense."

He went on to emphasize, "The mere announcement of the commissioning of this vessel, which is effectively an offensive destroyer, will be sufficient to make our views and stance known to the world."

He also stressed that the fact that the Kang Gon has been commissioned and the ongoing construction of a naval base in the East Sea "send a clear signal to the enemies," adding that "the enemies' concerns will inevitably deepen."

Leader Kim stated that "the nuclear armament of our navy is being realized, becoming more optimized, diversified, and practical for the use of deterrents," and said that "strategic missions" will be assigned to commanders and marines.

Leader Kim mentioned that an "important plan" is being executed to strengthen the naval forces and that "we will prove it to the world again in eight months," though he did not elaborate on what the plan entailed.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that a banquet was held the same day to celebrate the commissioning ceremony.

During its launch ceremony in May of last year, the hull of the Kang Gon tilted and tipped over. Even after the ship was salvaged 22 days after the accident and the launch was pushed through, doubts have been raised about whether it operates normally.

Later, on the 5th of last month, leader Kim inspected tests of major weapon systems, including missiles, mounted on the Kang Gon, leading to analyses that it was highly likely to be commissioned around the 9th of this month, the regime's founding anniversary.

(Photo: Korean Central Television, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.