New Delhi: According to recent reports from South Korean media, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un allegedly ordered the execution of up to 30 officials after they failed to prevent catastrophic flooding and landslides.The disasters, which occurred in July, reportedly resulted in around 1,000 deaths, though the exact number has been disputed by North Korea. South Koreas Chosun TV, citing a North Korean official, reported that Kim Jong Un demanded strict punishment for those he deemed responsible for the unacceptable loss of life caused by the natural disasters. The officials were also accused of corruption and dereliction of duty, leading to their executions late last month.While the identities of the executed officials remain undisclosed, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed that Kang Bong-hoon, secretary of the Chagang Province Provincial Party Committee since 2019, was among the leaders recently removed from their positions by Kim Jong Un.Kim Jongs responseThe July floods and landslides devastated North Korea, displacing 15,000 residents and affecting over 4,000 homes. Kim Jong Un visited the disaster-stricken areas and acknowledged that it would take several months to rebuild the affected neighborhoods. In response to the crisis, the government provided temporary shelter in Pyongyang for 15,400 people, including vulnerable groups such as mothers, children, the elderly, and disabled soldiers.🇰🇵KIM VISITS FLOOD-HIT REGION OF NORTH KOREARecord-breaking rain left thousands of people stranded by floods in Sinuiju and Uiju, North Pyongan Province.More than 4,200 residents were evacuated after over 10 planes made 20 consecutive round-trip flights.According to state… pic.twitter.com/U69lcTFecY— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 29, 2024Despite these measures, Kim Jong Un dismissed reports of a high death toll from the floods, labeling them as false rumors and accusing South Korea of orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish North Koreas global reputation.Lee Il-gyu, a former North Korean diplomat, noted, Even though there was recent flood damage, they were dismissed for social security reasons, and the executives themselves are so anxious that they dont know when their necks will fall off. The Korea Times reported a significant increase in public executions in North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the annual number rising from 10 to nearly 100.
