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N.Korea's Jang Song-thaek executed: KCNA Jang Song-thaek, deposed senior official of North Korea, has been sentenced to death and executed after the Special Military Tribunal found him guilty of treason, the official news agency KCNA reported early Friday. In pictures: DPRK's Jang Song-thaek executed NK purge first of 'series' Kim’s uncle stripped of all posts, expelled from WPK N.Korea recalls son of ousted leader

North Korea deletes articles on ousted Jang News reports about Jang Song-thaek, the powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, have been deleted from the website of the state news agency, supporting speculation Jang has been ousted. In a documentary film, broadcast by the North's Korean Central Television Station, Jang was found to be cut from or airbrushed out of some 17 scenes. The film recorded leader Kim's inspection trip to a military unit, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Crime of Jang Song-thaek accrording to WPK:
●attempted to overthrow the state
●tried to increase his force and build his base;
●abused his power and had improper relations with several women;
●abused drugs and squandered foreign currency at casinos while receiving medical treatment abroad.

About  Jang

	Born: 1946
	Spouse: Kim Jong-un's biological aunt Kim Kyong-hui
	Positions: Vice Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea (2010/06 - 2013/12) Chairman of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission of the WPK (2012/11 - 2013/12) Chief of the Central Administrative Department of the WPK (2007/10 - 2013/12)

Reactions

S. Korea voices deep concerns about Jang Song-thaek's execution
South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Eui-do said in a televised statement that South Korea will make a full readiness against all possibilities in the DPRK, noting that it will closely consult with its allies and related countries.

Comments

Jang's fall won't exert significant influence on East Asian dynamics
Kim Jong-un would like to adhere to the policy of putting the military first, but he would also like to paint a picture with two brushes at the same time - boosting nuclear capabilities and developing the economy at the same time.

Kim Jong-un orders purge to weaken army: expert
Chinese journalist Deng Yuwen pointed out that the sacking of Jang Song-thaek was part of an effort by Kim Jong-un to consolidate power over the past two years. In his article, Deng explains that with the move, Kim is attempting to weaken the power of the army and strengthen North Korea’s links with the rest of the world, especially China. Kim may visit China and agree to restore the stalled Six-Party Talks next year.

Power rearrangement under way in DPRK: S. Korean defense minister
Pyongyang was strengthening its military capabilities across the nation under these circumstances, urging the military commanders to maintain high vigilance against possible provocations from the DPRK.

The Guardian: Kim Jong-un's uncle fired in North Korea shake-up
Opinion has been divided among analysts on what the purge may mean for the future of North Korea. Some analysts see it as a sign of Kim Jong-un's growing confidence, but there has also been fear in Seoul that the removal of such an important part of the North's government, seen by outsiders as the leading supporter of Chinese-style economic reforms, could create dangerous instability or lead to a major miscalculation or attack on the South.

Washington Post: North Korea confirms purge of Kim Jong Un’s uncle, describes ‘anti-state’ crimes
Jang’s removal marks the most significant shake-up under Kim Jong Un, and some experts see the unusually vivid account as a public warning against disloyalty.

“This means Kim Jong Un punishes his political rivals more severely than Kim Jong Il,” said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior North Korea analyst at Seoul’s Sejong Institute.

Reuters: North Korea says Kim's powerful uncle dismissed for 'criminal acts'
He has survived previous purges and official displeasure, thanks largely to his sometimes tempestuous marriage to Kim Kyong Hui, but this time was different, said Jeung Young-tae, an expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

"Jang is gone and purged. In North Korea, there can be no two suns," Jeung said.

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