North Korea Announces Execution of Leader's Uncle
by Daniel Schearf December 12, 2013
North Korea's state media have announced the execution of leader Kim Jong Un's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, for attempting to overthrow the state. The declaration comes just days after Jang was publicly ousted from power for alleged disloyalty and corruption.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency early Friday reported a military tribunal overnight tried and executed Jang Song Thaek.
KCNA said Jang, the uncle of leader Kim Jong Un and assumed second in command, was found guilty of attempting to overthrow the state, party, and leadership.
The article, headlined, "Traitor Jang Song Thaek Executed," said he committed counterrevolutionary acts. It called Jang "human scum" and "worse than a dog."
Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed pictures of Jang standing at the military trial, bowing in submission with guards on both sides.
Lee Yun-keol is president of the North Korea Strategic Information Service Center, a private research institution. He says the rapid execution demonstrates leader Kim Jong Un has not yet stabilized his grip on power.
'There has never been a case where someone was executed after a special military trial held by North Korea's state security department. Usually criminals are sent to political camps and receive harsh punishment until their death. Jang Song Thaek's execution shows that Kim Jong Un's regime has become relatively weaker than before and there are many forces supporting Jang's power hidden inside North Korea,' said Yun-keol.
Jang Song Thaek and his wife, Kim Kyong Hui, acted as mentors to Kim Jong Un when he became third generation ruler after his father Kim Jong Il's sudden death in 2011.
KCNA alleged that Jang plotted for years to take power from the Kim family and that his work began in earnest after Kim Jong Il's demise.
Jang was publicly ousted from power Sunday and his position as vice chairman of North Korea's National Defense Commission, confirming earlier reports by South Korea's spy agency.
Jang was accused of abuse of power and ignoring orders from his nephew Kim Jong Un as well as using drugs, gambling, womanizing and luxurious wining and dining.
Political analysts say the 30-year-old North Korean leader saw Jang, more than twice his age, as a rival as he, Kim Jong Un, sought to secure sole control over the country.
Daniel Pinkston is deputy director for Northeast Asia at the International Crisis Group. Speaking via Skype, he says while Jang's purge was not a big surprise, his rapid execution sends a chilling signal throughout Pyongyang's ruling elite.
"But on the other hand it also says something about Kim and his nature. Is it telling us something about his personality in that we have heard rumors about his ruthlessness. I think you do have to have that characteristic or that type of personality to rule such a regime. And, certainly this is an indication of his character and willingness to be quite ruthless and execute any challengers or potential challengers,' said Pinkston.
Andrei Lankov, a professor of Korean history at Kookmin University, says the execution and intense publicity might scare officials into obedience but could also encourage rebellion. He spoke to VOA via Skype.
"Under Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, they very seldom killed high level officials. Now they are not secure, they know it, and it means that if they face a threat, if somebody powerful enough is aware that he is going to be purged soon, he might seriously consider a coup or other kind of violent resistance to the regime,' said Lankov.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports top officials in Seoul are holding a security meeting over the execution and any implications for stability on the Korean peninsula.
The U.S. State Department said, if confirmed, the execution is another example of the extreme brutality of the North Korean regime. Officials say they are following developments in North Korea closely and consulting with allies and partners in the region.
VOA Seoul Bureau Producer Youmi Kim contributed to this report
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