North Korea has executed its Minister of People’s Armed Forces Hyon Yong Chol using an anti-aircraft gun in front of hundreds of people in Pyongyang, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has said.
Such a violent method for execution has been cited as being reserved for senior officers who the leadership wishes to be made examples of. Chold had been appointed less than a year ago.
The execution was watched by hundreds of army officers, and reports said he was punished for showing disrespect towards leader Kim Jong-Un by falling asleep during a military event.
Hyon is believed to have been a general since 2010 and was in charge of logistics and international exchanges. He served on the committee for late leader Kim Jong-il's funeral in December 2011, an indication of his growing influence.
Chol was reportedly one of three military officials closest to Kim. In late 2013, Kim executed his uncle ang Song Thaek, considered the country's second-most powerful person.
