N Korea film 'edits out dismissed uncle Jang Song-thaek'
BBC News online -- 7 December 2013
Many observers saw Mr Chang as having a major influence on Kim Jong-un
North
Korean state TV is reported to have removed footage of a powerful uncle
and key aide to leader Kim Jong-un from a documentary, following
reports that he has been dismissed.
South Korean news agency Yonhap said the original film about Mr Kim had already been broadcast nine times.But when it aired again on Saturday, images of his uncle Jang Song-thaek, had been edited out, Yonhap reports.
On Tuesday South Korean intelligence said Mr Jang, 67, had been removed.
He had held senior posts in the ruling communist Korean Workers' Party and the National Defence Commission, the North's top military body.
Intelligence officials also said two of his close aides appeared to have been executed for corruption.
Chang Song-thaek
- Born 1946; marries Kim Jong-il's sister in 1972
- Joins Korean Workers' Party administrative ranks in 1970s
- Elected to Central Committee in 1992
- Sidelined in 2004, but rehabilitated in 2006
- 2011: Gets top military post under Kim Jong-un
- Nov 2013: Reportedly dismissed
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said it has made the assessment based on information provided by multiple sources.
Kim Jong-un took over after Kim Jong-il died in 2011. Mr Chang is married to the elder Kim's sister.
He has often been pictured beside Kim Jong-un and was seen by some observers as the power behind the throne.
Despite his family ties to the leadership and senior status, he has been targeted by purges in the past.
In 2004, despite his place in the Kim family, he disappeared from public view.
One report at the time, citing South Korean intelligence, said Mr Chang had been placed under house arrest.
Others suggested he had been sent for "re-education". However, two years later he appeared to have been reinstated.
Labels: North Korea
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, December 08, 2013
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