FILE - In this April 13, 2017 file photo, Hwang Pyong So, left, stands near North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, and Pak Pong Ju, right, during the opening ceremony of the Ryomyong residential area, a collection of more than a dozen apartment buildings in Pyongyang, North Korea. South Korea's spy agency says North Korea has punished two top military officers during a highly unusual inspection of the military's powerful political bureau. The spy agency told lawmakers the head of the bureau, Hwang Pyong So, and his top deputy were punished. It was unclear whether they were verbally warned, dismissed or banished to a rural area. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)
Kim Jong-un reacts to failed nuclear test by executing two senior officials – By Zoe Drewett (Metro.co.uk) / Dec 20 2017
FILE – In this April 13, 2017 file photo, Hwang Pyong So, left, stands near North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, and Pak Pong Ju, right, during the opening ceremony of the Ryomyong residential area, a collection of more than a dozen apartment buildings in Pyongyang, North Korea. South Korea’s spy agency says North Korea has punished two top military officers during a highly unusual inspection of the military’s powerful political bureau. The spy agency told lawmakers the head of the bureau, Hwang Pyong So, and his top deputy were punished. It was unclear whether they were verbally warned, dismissed or banished to a rural area. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)
Kim Jong-un has reportedly executed two top officials in just five days over mishaps at North Korea’s test missile site.
The latest unnamed executive was killed after he allegedly took responsibility for setbacks at the Punggye-ri nuclear base which led to the date of a rocket launch being pushed back.
While five days ago, a high-ranking official once described as the ‘second most powerful man in North Korea’ disappeared from public life, sparking speculation he too may have been executed by death squads.
General Hwang Pyong-so once held the most senior military position in the hermit state as a Vice-Marshall after the supreme leader.
The most recent victim was said to be the director of Bureau 131, in charge of construction at Kim’s missile and nuclear bases.
Back in September, at least 200 workers were reportedly killed when a tunnel collapsed shortly after the detonation of an H-bomb.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits Mount Paektu in this photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang December 9, 2017. KCNA/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORSPUNGGYE-RI NUCLEAR TEST SITE, NORTH KOREA – NOVEMBER 1, 2017. Figure 7. The Main Administrative Area has overall appeared inactive since the September nuclear test. (Photo DigitalGlobe/38 North via Getty Images)
It has been claimed the nuclear base, situated in the North Korean mountains, is falling into disrepair after being struck by earthquakes and landslides due to repeated nuke blasts.
A source told Japanese paper Asahi Shimbun: ‘It seems he took the blame as the prolonged mining of the nuclear facility pushed back the test date to September when it was initially set for spring.’ Kim has executed more than 340 people since he came to power – and that doesn’t include untold numbers sent to gulags or labour camps.
The so-called tubby tyrant is said to have been reshaping North Korea’s ruling elite in recent months as he fears the military is becoming too powerful.
He has also launched dozens of missiles this year, as well as detonating the hydrogen bomb on September 3.
epa06358486 A photo released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state news agency of North Korea, on 30 November 2017 shows the launch of the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-15 from an undisclosed location in North Korea, 29 November 2017. EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY EDITORIAL USE ONLYepa06358487 A photo released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state news agency of North Korea, on 30 November 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) giving an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-15 from an undisclosed location in North Korea, 29 November 2017. EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY
It caused a 6.3 magnitude earthquake and prompted fears of a massive radioactive leak which could spark a Chernobyl or Fukushima-style disaster.
North Korea’s nuclear site is crewed by soldiers, who have been reportedly been falling sick due to radiation poisoning.
Earlier this month Kim was pictured on top of a mountain he previously ‘climbed’ before executing top officials – sparking fears he was about to do the same again.
The tyrant visited the significant Mount Paektu, seen as mystical and situated not far from North Korea’s nuclear testing facilities, where Kim goes to make important decisions.
In 2016 he was pictured on the mountain before carrying out a huge nuclear test. In April 2015 he visited the mountain then executed former defence chief Hyon Yong-chol.
In November 2013 he visited the mountain before killing uncle and political guardian Jang Song-thaek.
