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North Korea executes defence chief on treason charges, South Korean media reports
Wed 13 May 2015
Photo: Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered the execution of more than a dozen senior officials this year. (Reuters: Kyodo, file photo)
North Korea has executed its defence chief on treason charges after he fell asleep at an event attended by leader Kim Jong-un, South Korean media says.
Hyon Yong Chol, the chief of North Korea's People's Armed Forces, was executed by firing squad, Yonhap news agency said, citing Seoul's National Intelligence Service.
Mr Hyon was said to have shown disrespect to Mr Kim by dozing off at a military event, the reports said.
In 2013, Mr Kim purged and executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, once considered the second most powerful man in Pyongyang's leadership circle, for corruption and committing crimes damaging to the economy.
Mr Kim ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year as punishment for challenging his authority.
The North Korean leader has also reshuffled close aides and senior officials repeatedly since taking office in 2011 after the death of his father.
North Korea executes defence chief on treason charges, South Korean media reports
Wed 13 May 2015
Photo: Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered the execution of more than a dozen senior officials this year. (Reuters: Kyodo, file photo)
North Korea has executed its defence chief on treason charges after he fell asleep at an event attended by leader Kim Jong-un, South Korean media says.
Hyon Yong Chol, the chief of North Korea's People's Armed Forces, was executed by firing squad, Yonhap news agency said, citing Seoul's National Intelligence Service.
Mr Hyon was said to have shown disrespect to Mr Kim by dozing off at a military event, the reports said.
In 2013, Mr Kim purged and executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, once considered the second most powerful man in Pyongyang's leadership circle, for corruption and committing crimes damaging to the economy.
Mr Kim ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year as punishment for challenging his authority.
The North Korean leader has also reshuffled close aides and senior officials repeatedly since taking office in 2011 after the death of his father.