North Korea defence chief 'executed'
NEWS DESK (DİHA) - North Korea's Defence Minister Hyon Yong-chol has been executed for showing disloyalty to Kim Jong-il, South Korea's spy agency has told parliament.
MPs were told Mr Hyon was killed on 30 April by anti-aircraft fire in front of an audience of hundreds, the Yonhap news agency reports. It said Mr Hyon had fallen asleep during an event attended by Kim Jong-un and had not carried out instructions.
Reports from North Korea are impossible to independently confirm. Analysts told that while reshuffling of officials happens often in North Korea, the execution of a figure so close to Mr Kim was surprising and cause for concern about the country's stability. Analysis site NK News said Mr Hyon had last appeared in state media a day before the alleged execution date.
Mr Hyon is believed to have been a general since 2010, though little is known about him. He served on the committee for late leader Kim Jong-il's funeral in December 2011, an indication of his growing influence. He was appointed defence minister last year.
(nt)
