North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly executed up to 30 officials in response to severe flooding and landslides that resulted in approximately 1,000 deaths. The executions, which occurred in late August, were ordered on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.
Kim Jong Un expressed his outrage over the disaster and demanded strict punishment for those deemed responsible. Among those executed was Kang Bong-hoon, a prominent provincial leader. The identities of other officials executed have not been disclosed.
The North Korean regime had earlier acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the floods and committed to long-term recovery efforts. Despite these efforts, the regime has faced criticism for its handling of the disaster.
North Korean media confirmed the dismissals but denied claims from South Korean sources that the death toll had reached 4,000, labeling such reports as “false rumours” intended to damage North Korea’s image.
This recent crackdown is part of a broader trend of increased public punishments in North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rate of such punishments reportedly increasing significantly. As scrutiny on the regime intensifies, officials in North Korea continue to face severe consequences under Kim Jong Un’s rule.