North Korea dismisses its state security minister as more cracks show
Kim Jong-un has dismissed another minister amid claims of corruption and human rights abuses, but punishment may be worse after an investigation
Seoul — North Korea has dismissed its minister of state security, a key aide to the reclusive state’s young leader, Kim Jong-un, South Korea said on Friday, in what a high-profile defector said would be another sign of a "crack in the elite" in Pyongyang if true. Kim Won-hong was removed from office as head of the feared "bowibu", or secret police, in mid-January, apparently on charges of corruption, abuse of power and human rights abuses, Jeong Joon-hee, South Korea’s unification ministry spokesperson, said, confirming media reports. Jeong did not say how the South knew of Kim’s ouster, but he said there could have been further dismissals in the North where the ruling Workers’ Party’s powerful organisation and guidance department was investigating the ministry of state security. "There is always a possibility that purges continue as part of constantly strengthening power," he said, adding that punishment for Kim Won-hong could be more severe depending on the outcome of the investig...
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