Kim Jong-un has had 15 officials executed for 'not respecting his authority' and complaining about his policies during 2015, say South Korean spies
- Two vice minister-levels officials executed 'for opposing Kim's directives'
- South Korea says dictator is using purges to ensure discipline and loyalty
Kim Jong-un ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year, including several who complained about the young leader's policies, South Korea's intelligence agency said today.
Those executed included two vice minister-level officials, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing legislators who attended a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Both were punished for opposing or complaining about Kim's directives, the legislators said.
Kim Jong-un has ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year for complaining about his policies
The Kim dynasty has ruled reclusive and impoverished North Korea for more than six decades with an iron fist and a pervasive personality cult.
The NIS suggested Kim Jong-un was following the well-trodden path of his father and grandfather in using regular purges and executions to ensure discipline and loyalty.
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Kim had his uncle and one-time political mentor Jang Song-Thaek executed in late 2013 on an array of charges, including treason and corruption.
Jang had played a key role in cementing the leadership of the inexperienced Kim, who took over after the death of his father and long-time ruler Kim Jong-Il in December 2011.
Keeping it in the family: South Korea says Kim Jong-un is following the well-trodden path of his father Kim Jong-il (left) and grandfather in using regular purges and executions to ensure discipline and loyalty
But analysts said Jang's growing political power and intervention in lucrative trade deals was resented by his young nephew.
South Korea's spy agency also expected Kim to travel to Moscow this month to attend an event marking the end of World War Two, the official was quoted as telling the closed-door meeting.
The visit would be Kim's first overseas trip since he took power in 2011 after the death of his father.
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