The South Korean spy agency’s assertion that North Korea purged its defence chief and executed him with anti-aircraft fire is one of its boldest claims ever, and, given the agency’s chequered history, has come under growing scrutiny.
The agency correctly revealed in 2013 that Jang Song Thaek, ruler Kim Jong Un’s uncle and the second most powerful man in North Korea, had been purged. Among its misses, it failed to learn of the death in 2011 of leader Kim Jong Il, the current ruler’s father.
The scepticism over the latest assertion stems from the NIS’ evident certainty that Hyon Yong Chol was ousted as defence chief, although it will not publicly disclose its evidence, while it has said it is less certain he has been executed.
Hyon, typically active in public events alongside Kim, has been absent from any mention in North Korea’s official media since April 29, around the time the NIS says he was executed.
