Kim Jong-un ‘executes’ North Korea military chief over corruption charges

Ri Young-gil had been chief of general staff for Kim Jong-un's regime since August 2013.

Seoul

: North Korean supreme leader, Kim Jong-un ordered the execution of his military chief on on charges of "corruption", according to a South Korean news agency.

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 reports, the North Korean leader removed a number of senior officials in recent months for 'crimes' such as treason and watching South Korean soap operas.

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".

In 2014, Kim Jong-un's uncle was reportedly executed by being fed to starving dogs after being accused of being "an anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional element".

However, reports of the military chief’s death cannot be confirmed.