North Korean military, has been executed, according to Yonhap News Agency and Rooters. CNN reports that a South Korean government source confirms the top general was put to death.The general, according to CNN, was killed for "factionalism, misuse of authority, and corruption."
Kim's increasing willingness to execute some of the most senior figures in his military would suggest the young leader is struggling to impose control. Analysts are beginning to wonder how much more the military will put up with.
Ri was last seen in public on Jan. 5, at about the same time as the North's claimed "hydrogen" bomb test, when he participated in an "inspection of coastal artillery" with North Korean leader Kim
PudgeJong-un
...the overweight, pouty-looking hereditary potentate of North Korea. Pudge appears to believe in his own divinity, but has yet to produce any loaves and fishes, so his subjects remain malnourished...
The apparently abrupt termination of his stellar military career was hardly a surprise. General Pyon In Son was put to death, probably in January of last year, for insubordination, specifically for refusing to replace certain junior officers.
Then, General Hyon Yong Chol, the DPRK's defense minister, was executed for napping at a public event--disrespecting Kim who was present at the time--and for disobedience. The specific charge was advocating "militarism-oriented bureaucracy."
Many Korea watchers consider these killings and others to be proof that Kim Jong-un is in command, that he is powerful enough to get rid of anyone. In reality, it is proof that the situation at the top of the regime is fluid. After all, if Kim were truly in control, there would be no need for the continual bloodletting.
Hyon's execution was particularly revealing. It was reportedly carried out by anti-aircraft fire at close range, in front of an audience of hundreds at a military academy near Pyongyang. The spectacle, at the end of last April, was meant to send a message, and the fact that Kim had to do so is a clear indication he was not in firm command of the Korean People's Army.