(RightIsRight.co) – North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un ordered the execution of up to 30 officials for allegedly failing to prevent massive flooding and landslides over the summer, which killed around 4,000 people.
According to South Korean media, a source within Kim’s regime indicated that between 20 and 30 North Korean leaders were sentenced to death on charges of corruption and negligence.
“It has been determined that 20 to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month,” the source told the outlet.
Previously, the North Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim had instructed authorities to “strictly punish” officials following the devastating flooding in Chagang province in July, which claimed about 4,000 lives and left more than 15,000 people homeless.
The executed officials were not named, but the report mentioned that Kang Bong-hoon, the provincial party committee secretary of Chagang since 2019, was among the leaders dismissed by Kim during an emergency meeting amidst the flooding crisis.
After the meeting, former North Korean diplomat Lee Il-gyu told TV Chosun that officials in the province were “so anxious that they don’t know when their necks will fall off.”
In addition, Kim was seen last month inspecting the damaged areas and meeting with residents, estimating that it would take months to rebuild the affected neighborhoods.
The North Korean leader also dismissed reports from South Korea regarding the death toll, denying claims that thousands were killed.
However, this is not the first time Kim has allegedly ordered executions over perceived failures.
In 2019, reports emerged that Kim had executed Kim Hyok Chol, North Korea’s nuclear envoy to the U.S., for failing to secure a summit between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
Later, it was revealed that Chol was merely in state custody.
Public executions are reportedly common in North Korea, with the Korea Times noting that the state conducted an average of 10 public executions annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outlet estimates that the number has surged, with at least 100 executions taking place last year.
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