North Korean state media has confirmed that the country has a new military chief following earlier reports in Seoul that the former holder of the post had been executed. Ri Myong-Su, former People’s Security Minister, was referred to as “chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff”. His predecessor Ri Yong-Gil was reportedly executed early this month. Ri Yong-Gil was accused of forming a political faction and corruption.

A large number of senior officials, especially military cadres, were removed or demoted as the young leader sought to solidify his control over the powerful military. In the most high-profile case, Kim had his influential uncle Jang Song-Thaek executed in December 2013 for charges including treason and corruption. Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul said the new military chief was one of Kim’s top three aides and was known to be well-versed in missile technology.

North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test last month and launched a long-range rocket this month, sparking international outrage.

Did You Know?

• Jang Song Thaek, who had been considered Kim’s second-in-command, was executed in 2014 after being found guilty of “attempting to overthrow the state”.
• Jang and his five closest aides were set upon by 120 hunting hounds which had been starved for five days.
• Kim and his brother Kim Jong Chol supervised the one-hour ordeal along with 300 other officials.
• Jang was seen by many experts as a regent behind North Korea’s Kim dynasty and a key connection between the hermit nation and its ally China.