A disciplinary measure too far: North Korean cabinet official executed over policy failures

Former North Korean Cabinet official Kwon Ho Ung, who was once chief delegate for ministerial talks with South Korea, has been executed.

Although sources are unidentified and details cannot be confirmed by the South Korean intelligence agencies, it is believed that he was shot by firing squad for failures over policy.

Following the sinking of a South Korean military vessel back in March, tensions between the two states have been rife as North Korea deny claims by South Korea that they were behind the death of 46 South Korean sailors.

Worryingly, it is not uncommon for North Korea to execute “top men” for policy failures that are arguably beyond their complete control. If the report is true it will mean that a total of three government officials have been executed this year alone for policy blunders. In March two senior economic officials were executed due to a failed currency overhaul that forced the markets to close temporarily.