March 19, 2024
Analysis

Hyon Yong Chol: An execution and a message?

Kim Jong Un's appears more ruthless than his predecessors, signalling to leadership he is not to trifled with

If the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) is to be believed, another high-level purge has just occurred in North Korea. Defense Minister Hyon Yong Chol was just executed for his lack of respect and insubordination toward Kim Jong Un. At least, this is what the NIS representative said.

Of course, one has to be somewhat cautious about such reports. North Korean politics is a murky business indeed. In the past we have seen how people long believed to have been purged and killed suddenly reappear and even get a high position. It is not impossible that the NIS has its own reasons for releasing this news, and such reasons may not be journalistic.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.