Military says damaged N. Korean destroyer now in upright position

This May 15 satellite image, provided by South Korea's unification ministry on May 22, shows a North Korean warship under preparation for launch after being constructed in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. Yonhap

South Korea's military said Thursday a North Korean warship that was partially capsized during a botched launch ceremony last month now stands straight, with restoration efforts under way.

The 5,000-ton warship tipped over and became partially submerged in a launch ceremony held in the northeastern port city of Chongjin on May 21. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un slammed the accident as an intolerable "criminal act" and ordered for the warship to be restored before a key party meeting set for late June.

"The North Korean warship inclined at the Chongjin port returned to an upright position earlier this week and additional (restoration) efforts are believed to be in progress," Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), told a regular press briefing.

"Both South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring activities at the Chongjin port and the nearby area," Lee said, projecting the North to first drain out water from the warship to meet Kim's order.

The JCS official did not elaborate on whether the North could meet the deadline set by Kim, saying further analysis is needed, such as whether a change has occurred in the warship's keel.

Earlier this week, 38 North, a U.S. website monitoring North Korea, reported the warship standing in upright position, citing satellite imagery.

A JCS official said the military detected the development on Monday, adding North Korea appears to have mobilized heavy equipment, such as a crane, to reposition the warship.

In the briefing, Lee of the JCS said it is unlikely the North used balloons to prop up the warship, noting the upper limit in the weight that can be lifted through such means.

The North has launched a full-scale probe into the accident, detaining key officials involved in the warship project.

The North's state media earlier noted the extent of the damage is "not serious" and reported the "rehabilitation plan" is proceeding as scheduled.

South Korea's military earlier assessed the North appears to have failed in using a side launching technique.