A HALF-sunk North Korean warship which bungled its first launch in front of Kim Jong-un has been hauled upright using giant balloons.

The cause of the humiliating fail has also been revealed - amid fears the regime will execute those it holds responsible.

The 5,000-tonne naval destroyer ended up on its side after the pompous launch ceremony watched by Kim went disastrously wrong.

Kim slammed the "criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness" in a rare admission of failure - and arrested four officials.

Satellite pictures later revealed the huge warship floundering on its side beside the launch dock, with the stern partially sunk and its bow lying on the harbour jetty.

Kim gave orders to right the vessel as quickly as possible - and now details of the farcical rescue mission have

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