Kim executes ‘worse than dog’ uncle for treason

North Korean state media says Kim Jong Un’s uncle has been executed, calling the leader’s former mentor “worse than a dog”.

The news comes days after Pyongyang announced Jang Song Thaek had been removed from all his posts because of claims of corruption, drug use, gambling, womanising and a “dissolute and depraved life”.

Jang was considered the second most powerful official in the North. He was seen as helping Kim Jong Un consolidate power after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, two years ago. Jang was the latest and most significant in a series of personnel reshuffles Kim has conducted in an apparent effort to bolster his power.