South Korean media reports claim North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has ordered the execution of 20 to 30 government officials found responsible for failing to prevent devastating floods that killed thousands over the summer.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has reportedly ordered the execution of at least 30 government officials in the aftermath of catastrophic floods that ravaged the country over the summer. The news, reported by South Korea's TV Chosun, sheds light on the North's ruthless crackdown on officials deemed responsible for the disaster.
According to the report, the officials were sentenced to capital punishment last month for their failure to prevent the deadly flooding. An unnamed official was quoted as saying, "Twenty to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month."
North Korea's Purge: Kim Jong-Un Orders Execution of Officials for Flood Failure
While the exact details of the executions remain unclear due to North Korea's extreme secrecy, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has officially reported that Kim ordered authorities to "strictly punish" the officials for their incompetence. The floods, which hit the Chagang Province near the border with China in July, wreaked havoc, leaving thousands dead and widespread destruction.
Kim's wrath extends to officials whom he holds responsible for neglecting disaster prevention measures. The KCNA report emphasized his dissatisfaction, stating that the officials had caused "the casualty that cannot be allowed."
North Korea's Purge: Kim Jong-Un Orders Execution of Officials for Flood Failure
The purge comes amid an ongoing display of North Korean resilience in the face of the disaster. The country has rebuffed offers of aid from China, Russia, and even South Korea, with whom tensions remain at an all-time high.
In early August, Kim made a two-day tour of the flood-ravaged city of Uiju to meet with victims and assess the recovery efforts. During his visit, he accused the South of exaggerating the extent of the damage, labeling it a "smear campaign" and a "grave provocation" against his government.
North Korea's Purge: Kim Jong-Un Orders Execution of Officials for Flood Failure
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The purge of government officials underscores the extreme nature of Kim's regime, where accountability is swift and severe. The haphazard response to the floods highlights the weaknesses within the North Korean system, which prioritize loyalty over competence and prioritize the regime's survival over the well-being of its citizens.
