Report: North Korea executes vice premier

Choe Yong Gon was executed in May by firing squad for voicing dissent against the policies of the country's leader Kim Jong Un, reported South Korea's Yonhap news agency on Wednesday citing an anonymous source "with knowledge of the North."

According to the report, 63-year-old Choe was executed for voicing frustration with Kim's forestry policies and showing poor work performance.

Choe, who assumed the position in June 2014, was last seen at an anniversary event for the late leader Kim Jong Il in December, according to South Korea's unification ministry, which handles cross-border relations.

The ministry said on Wednesday it had been "closely monitoring the possibility of any changes in Choe's circumstances."

Choe had worked towards bolstering inter-Korean affairs in the 2000s, leading North Korea's delegation to joint economic cooperation committiees with South Korea between 2003 and 2005.

If confirmed, the vice premier's death would mark the second execution of a top official this year.

Not the first time

In May, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korean by anti-aircraft fire for insubordination and dozing off during official military rallies.

While Yong-Chol's death was not confirmed by North Korea, a new defense minister was announced in July.

In 2013, Pyongyang made a shocking revelation that Kim Jong Un's uncle Jang Song Thaek was executed for committing treason and leading a "dissolute and depraved life."

Kim Jong Un ascended to power after his father, the late Kim Jong Il, passed away in December 2011.

ls/kms (Reuters, AFP)