Since Kim Jong Il passed away in December 2011, concerns about the stability of the North Korean leadership have been numerous, but so far the smooth continuation of political and economic affairs has been a key priority.

The North Korea-watching community has therefore been taken aback by the rumored removal of Jang Sung Thaek, a figure with deep connections to the Kim family and involvement in maintaining administrative and economic matters.

According to South Korean authorities’ reports, Jang – the de-facto No. 2 in North Korea – was removed as Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission at some point in