North Korea defence minister executed for sleeping on duty

North Korea’s Defence Minister, Hyon Yong-chol has been executed for showing disloyalty to Kim Jong-un.

South Korea’s spy agency has told parliament that Mr Hyon was killed on April 30 by anti-aircraft fire in front of an audience of hundreds, the Yonhap news agency reports.

It said Mr Hyon had fallen asleep during an event attend ed by Kim Jong-un and had failed to carry out instructions.

Analysts told the BBC that while reshuffling of officials happens often in North Korea, the execution of a figure so close to Mr Kim was surprising and cause for concern about the country’s stability.

NK News said Mr Hyon had last appeared in state media a day before the alleged execution date.

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