Kim Jong Un Reportedly Orders Execution of 30 Officials Following Deadly Floods

Despite the reported executions, North Korea's state-run media, KCNA, has not yet confirmed the incidents

According to South Korean media reports, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the execution of about 30 officials after extreme flooding and landslides in July led to many casualties. The disasters, caused by heavy rainfall, resulted in more than 1,000 deaths and displaced 15,000 residents.

A North Korean official in South Korea's Chosun TV reported that Kim Jong Un demanded "strict punishment" for those who are responsible for the "unacceptable loss" of life. The officials were charged of corruption, neglect of duty, and failure to prevent the disaster. The executions reportedly took place late last month, though the identities of the executed are not revealed yet. Kang Bong-hoon, the secretary of the Chagang Province Provincial Party Committee was among the high-ranking officials who were removed from their positions. Despite the reported executions, North Korea's state-run media, KCNA, has not yet confirmed the incidents. Kim Jong Un personally visited the flood-stricken areas in July, highlighting that rebuilding activities would take months. However, he disapproved reports of a high death toll, criticizing South Korea of spreading "false rumors" as part of a "smear campaign" against North Korea.

The executions are part of a broader trend, with public executions in North Korea reportedly increasing tenfold since the COVID-19 pandemic began, indicating a major rise in internal repressions under Kim Jong Un's rule.