North Korean Leader's Uncle Was Executed Because He Wanted To Implement Reforms

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, right, and his uncle Jang Song-thaek, who was widely considered the second most powerful figure in the country, at a military parade in Pyongyang in February 2012. Mr. Jang was convicted of treason and executed the next year. Credit Kyodo, via Reuters

New York Times: In Hail of Bullets and Fire, North Korea Killed Official Who Wanted Reform

SEOUL, South Korea — In late 2013, Jang Song-thaek, an uncle of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, was taken to the Gang Gun Military Academy in a Pyongyang suburb.

Hundreds of officials were gathered there to witness the execution of Mr. Jang’s two trusted deputies in the administrative department of the ruling Workers’ Party.

The two men, Ri Ryong-ha and Jang Su-gil, were torn apart by antiaircraft machine guns, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. The executioners then incinerated their bodies with flamethrowers.

Jang Song-thaek, widely considered the second-most powerful figure in the North, fainted during the ordeal, according to a new book published in South Korea that offers a rare glimpse into the secretive Pyongyang regime.

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WNU Editor: One of my closest contacts in China told me over a year ago that Jang Song-thaek was the real reformer in North Korea, and the hope in Beijing was that he would be the one who would lead North Korea while instituting reforms and a policy of openness after long time leader Kim Jong-il had passed away. I was sceptical of this news then .... Jang Song-thaek was no angel .... but after reading this New York Time's post .... I have to wonder.