Kim Won-hong, head of North Korean spy agency, sacked last month
Arirang
Updated: 2017-02-03 18:22:44 KST
The head of North Korea's spy agency, Kim Won-hong, has been sacked on charges of power abuse and corruption.
South Korea's unification ministry confirmed Friday Kim was dismissed after being demoted from a four-star general to a one-star general in January as part of a probe currently being conducted by the regime's ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
Kim Won-hong was a key figure in the Kim Jong-un regime after being appointed head of the Ministry of State Security in 2012. He became known for spearheading the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song-taek the following year.
Seoul's unification ministry believes removals of high-ranking officials could continue leading to further instability in the regime.
"Pyongyang could become even more unstable due to the increased agitation shown among high-ranking officials and weakened control over the North Korean people, as Kim Jong-un dismissed a key aide that helped build his reign of terror."
The spokesperson added that Kim Won-hong and many officials from the security ministry could receive harsh punishments depending on the outcome of the investigation by the ruling party.
An official from the South Korean unification ministry analyzed that Kim Jong-un's decision to sack the security ministry chief is part of the leader's efforts to shift the responsibility to the agency as the North Korean dictator is losing support from the public.
Kim Jong-un's reign of fear has continued to escalate since he came to power in late 2011, with the South Korean Institute for National Security Strategy reporting the reckless leader has executed at least 140 officials by using machine guns and even flamethrowers.
Connie Kim, Arirang News.
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