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![Cameroon's President Paul Biya waits for the arrival of France's President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) for talks at the Presidential Palace in Yaounde, on July 26, 2022. [Getty Images]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Cameroon's President Paul Biya waits for the arrival of France's President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) for talks at the Presidential Palace in Yaounde, on July 26, 2022. [Getty Images]")
The executions, which took place in late August, were reportedly carried out on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.
Kim expressed outrage over what he described as an "unacceptable loss" of life and called for strict punishment for those responsible.
Among those dismissed from office was Kang Bong-hoon, a prominent provincial leader. The identities of other executed officials remain undisclosed.
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The North Korean leader had earlier visited flood-ravaged areas, acknowledging the extensive damage and stating that recovery efforts would take months.
Despite providing shelter for displaced citizens, particularly vulnerable groups in Pyongyang, the regime has faced internal and external criticism.
North Korea denies figures of flood victims
While North Korean media confirmed the dismissals, Kim Jong Un rejected claims that the death toll had reached 4,000, accusing South Korea of spreading "false rumours" to harm North Korea's image.
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This latest wave of executions comes amid a surge in public punishments in North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the annual rate reportedly increasing tenfold.
As scrutiny intensifies, North Korean officials continue to fear for their positions and lives under the regime's harsh crackdown.
