North Korean leader executes defence minister over claims of disloyalty

onnaedo

May 13, 2015 11:10 AM

Hyon was reported to have fallen asleep during an event attended by Kim Jong-un and had not carried out instructions.

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Hyon Yong-chol, North Korea's defence minister has been executed for allegedly being disloyal to his boss and leader, Kim Jong-un.

This was made known by South Korea's spy agency, who reported to South Korea's parliament that Hyon was killed on 30th April by anti-aircraft fire in front of an audience of hundreds.

BBC reports that the slain Hyon was said to be as close to Kim as it is possible to get, and rose from obscurity becoming a general in 2010.

He also served on the committee for late leader and Kim's father Kim Jong-il's funeral in December 2011.

Hyon's execution comes weeks after the reported execution of 15 senior officials including vice ministers who had challenged Kim over his policies, and also members of an orchestra believed to have confidential information on Kim's wife from her days in said ochestra.

The North Korean leader is notorious for his executions stemming from his insecurity and impulsive decision making.

In 2013, he executed his uncle Chang Song-thaek, once the country's second-most powerful figure, for treachry.

onnaedo