Kim Jong-un's military chief has been executed on charges of corruption, according to a South Korean news agency.Army General Ri Yong-gil, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, was conspicuous in his absence from events celebrating the North's controversial satellite launch on Sunday.
General Ri Young-gil had been chief of the general staff for Kim Jong-un's regime since he was appointed to the role in August 2013.
According to the Yonhap News agency, which cited sources "familiar with North Korean affairs", General Ri was purged this month and also faced accusations of "pursuing personal gains".
Ri is believed to have been ousted after raising objections to Kim's recent appointments of party leaders to military posts, a source said.
The source, who is familiar with North Korean affairs, said: 'Ri Yong-gil is known to have been faithful to principles, so it appears the North cited (the charges) to justify his execution.
'This shows that Kim Jong-un is very nervous about the armed forces. It also shows his reign of terror continues.'
