Kim says his uncle was 'factionalist filth'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has described his once-powerful uncle and mentor, whom he purged and executed, as “factionalist filth” in a new year message in which he boasted of a surge of internal strength.

Kim’s comments, including those focusing on one of the biggest political developments in Pyongyang in years, and certainly since the young leader took power two years ago, will be closely scrutinised by outside analysts and governments for clues about the reclusive communist country’s intentions and policy goals.