North Korea's failed warship launch was more than a military mishap. Kim Jong Un used it to test loyalty, punish officials and tighten regime control.

North Korea said it has repaired its damaged second naval destroyer and launched the ship into the water in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un, about three weeks after it capsized during a botched launch ceremony.

North Korea has launched a 5,000-ton destroyer at the second try, state media reported on Friday, after the warship was damaged during an earlier botched attempt that had left it capsized in the water.