Kim Jong Un May Have Executed Officials Over Flood Disaster

North Korea

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has ordered the execution of 30 officials held responsible for the fatal mishandling of catastrophic floods.

At a Glance

  • Kim Jong Un executed 30 officials for failing to prevent deadly floods and landslides.
  • Circumstances surrounding the executions were linked to corruption and dereliction of duty.
  • Roughly 4,000 lives were lost, and 15,000 people were displaced.
  • North Korea has seen a spike in public executions since the pandemic.
  • Kim Jong Un refuted South Korean reports regarding the death toll.

Executions in Response to the Flooding Disaster

Amidst the tragic loss of approximately 4,000 lives and the displacement of over 15,000 people due to catastrophic flooding, Kim Jong Un has reportedly executed 30 officials in North Korea. The officials were held responsible for failing to effectively address and mitigate the disaster. The executions demonstrate the regime’s strict intolerance for administrative errors and its approach to pacifying public anger. Officials were charged with corruption and dereliction of duty for their perceived failure to prevent the flooding and landslides.

The devastating impact of the Yalu River floods submerged over 4,000 buildings and 3,000 hectares of farmland. Kim Jong Un surveyed the devastated areas, personally meeting with residents and estimating that rebuilding would take several months. Following this tour, Kim ordered severe punishment for the failing officials, emphasizing the regime’s demands for competency and loyalty. Public executions, which have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, remain a grim method the North Korean regime uses to enforce strict adherence to its expectations.

Public Executions Since the Pandemic

Public executions in North Korea have surged significantly since the pandemic. The government claims they are rare and that the death penalty is seldom used. However, contrary reports indicate otherwise. In 2022 alone, an estimated 100 people faced public executions. This recent wave of executions, up to 30 officials, underscores the regime’s attempt to project strength and stabilize internal governance amidst growing discontent.

“It has been determined that 20 to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month.”

While specific identities of the executed officials were not revealed publicly, Chagang Province Provincial Party Committee Secretary Kang Bong-hoon was dismissed. This action highlighted the regime’s aggressive measures against those found neglecting their disaster prevention duties. Kim Jong Un’s approach of showing no leniency to those he deemed responsible is part of his broader strategy to maintain control and demonstrate leadership in crisis.

Relocation and Refusal of International Aid

Following the severe floods, Kim Jong Un ordered the relocation of approximately 15,400 displaced individuals to the capital city, Pyongyang. This move indicates an attempt to centralize control and address the immediate needs of the affected population. Notably, North Korea declined offers of international aid from countries like Russia and China, opting instead to emphasize self-reliance and trust in its people. Kim’s stance was clear: “Those who caused unacceptable casualties will be strictly punished.”

“Those who caused unacceptable casualties will be strictly punished.”

As North Korea reopens its borders to foreigners for the first time since the pandemic, measures are being taken to improve its economy and infrastructure. Efforts to attract foreign investment include an ambitious plan to complete the longstanding Ryugyong Hotel project in Pyongyang, even suggesting incorporating casino facilities. This indicates the regime is seeking new ways to sustain economic growth and investment under tight political control.

Sources

1. Kim Jong Un executes 30 officials over floods in North Korea that killed 4,000: report

2. Kim Jong Un executes 30 officials over floods in North Korea that killed 4,000: report

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