North Korea’s newest warship was severely damaged during a launch ceremony Wednesday, with leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the accident, saying it brought shame to the nation’s prestige and vowing to punish those found responsible,

The incident Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin is a blow to Kim, who has stressed the importance of such destroyers for advancing North Korea's military capabilities.

North Korea’s attempt to launch its second navy destroyer in a month has failed, dealing a huge embarrassment for its leader, Kim Jong-un, who called it a criminal act and indicated he would punish th...