I will take the word of a South Korean official over an anonymous defector:
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, is still alive although she is “in a vegetative state,” according to a government official Wednesday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, rejected growing speculation that Kim, 68, either died by natural causes or was executed by her nephew.
The official, however, said her health has deteriorated after stepping down from all posts in the tyrannical state.
“Kim Jong-un executed Jang Song-thaek, but he is taking care of his aunt and letting her live,” the official said. [Korea Times]
You can read more at the link, but when it comes to some of these type of accounts around Kim Jong-un from defectors it appears to me they just repeat rumors or exaggerate what they know.
Just when you thought you have seen all the stupid incidents a soldier could cause in Korea someone finds a new level of stupid:
Police say a U.S. soldier was detained after rushing onto the field during a professional baseball game in Seoul in what they called a “heroic” attempt to impress his girlfriend.
The soldier, identified by South Korean police as a 30-year-old corporal, rushed onto the field of Jamsil Stadium around 7:30 p.m. Saturday during a nationally televised game between the Doosan Bears and Hanhwa Eagles.
Doosan security guards nabbed the soldier, who was attending the game with friends, as he ran toward second to first base. Officials suspended the game for about five minutes following the incident.
8th Army spokesman Col. Shawn Stroud said the soldier has been released to his unit and is being investigated by South Korean police. A Jamsil police officer said police could smell alcohol on his breath. His name was not released.
The soldier is expected to be charged with obstruction of work, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine up to 15 million won (about $13,700). The officer said the soldier is unlikely to receive the stiffest punishment, and similar disturbances have resulted in fines or suspended sentences. [Stars & Stripes]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) inspects a recently remodeled trout farm under the North’s Army Unit No. 580 in the North’s Kangwon Province, in this photo released by the North’s state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper on May 11, 2015. The paper, published by the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, also said Kim examined a cattle ranch under the same Army unit. It was not reported when the photo was taken. (Yonhap)
This type of blue on blue shooting is unfortunately becoming a somewhat annual occurrence in the ROK Army:
Two died and three injured in what is believed to be a shooting spree at around 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday during a reserve forces training session at a military base located in Seocho District, southeastern Seoul.
The suspect, one of reserve forces trainees, is known to have killed himself with the weapon after the incident, according to the Army.
“During a zeroing fire session, a trainee fired a rifle at fellow soldiers which killed one and injured four others,” said an Army officer after the shooting spree. “Death toll may rise as well.”
The injured are being evacuated to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital. Two of the injured were in critical condition and one of them died after the Army’s announcement.
The Army is still on an internal investigation. [Joong Ang Ilbo]
Since this report comes from the South Korea’s National Intelligence Service I give it a little more credence than reports that come from defectors:
Hyon Yong-chol (circled), minister of North Korea’s People’s Armed Forces, appears to have his eyes closed during an event for military officials presided over by Kim Jong-un (center), held on April 24 and 25, in a photo published by the North Korean daily Rodong Sinmun on April 26. South Korea’s spy agency reported Wednesday that Hyon was executed after possibly being accused of having dozed off late last month. [Rodong Sinmun]North Korea executed its defense chief late last month, South Korea’s spy agency reported Wednesday, the latest chapter in leader Kim Jong-un’s reign of terror.
A firing squad executed the defense minister with an antiaircraft gun, the agency said.
Four-star Gen. Hyon Yong-chol, minister of North Korea’s People’s Armed Forces, was executed around April 30 at a military academy in Pyongyang with hundreds of senior military officials watching, said the National Intelligence Service (NIS), citing multiple sources but refusing to disclose them in detail.
The spy agency said Hyon could have been charged with treason but it was likely that he was executed because he showed some sign of disrespect to leader Kim Jong-un rather than plotting a rebellion.
The NIS said Hyon had expressed dissatisfaction with Kim Jong-un’s governing style, without elaborating further. The agency said Hyon dozing off at a military event held on April 24 and 25 in Pyongyang might have sealed his fate.
In a photo published by the state-run daily Rodong Sinmun on April 26, Hyon appeared to have his eyes closed during an event for military officials presided over by Kim Jong-un, who was seated in the center in the front row. Hyon was seated to Kim’s left. [Joong Ang Ilbo]
You can read more at the link, but it is a good thing that the US military doesn’t have this execution policy when people nod off in hours long meetings because we would not have a military.
If your kids go to middle or high school over Yongsan Garrison expect your kids to have a different school schedule next year:
Osan American Elementary School students say the Pledge of Allegiance at Osan Air Base, South Korea, on Aug. 25, 2014. Department of Defense Dependents Schools began the new school year this week.
Department of Defense Education Activity middle and high school students in Seoul will attend classes on a “hybrid” schedule next year that combines traditional seven-period days and block-scheduled days within a single week, officials announced last week.
The change will mean more time in the classroom and fewer mix-ups at Seoul American High School over which classes students should be attending on a given day, principal Kathleen Reiss said.
The school now operates on a block schedule, with “A” and “B” class schedules alternating daily.
“It’s constant confusion now,” Reiss said. “There’s not a day that goes by that somebody doesn’t ask me, ‘Is this A day or B day?’ ”
Under the hybrid schedule, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays will be seven-period days. Wednesdays and Thursdays will be block-scheduled days, with a built-in seminar period used for assemblies, makeup tests and other instructional purposes. [Stars & Stripes]
You can read more at the link, but I love the picture the S&S decided to add to the article.
Here is the latest from the North Korea rumor mill:
Mr. Park shifts uncomfortably in his seat. As one of the most senior North Korean officials to ever defect, he was preparing to tell the ugly truth about the regime he served faithfully for decades.
This is not his real name; he wants his identity hidden for fear of retribution against friends and family still in Pyongyang. It’s not surprising when you hear what he has to say.
His first allegation is shocking. He claims North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his own aunt, a blood relative, to be poisoned. “On May 5th or 6th of last year,” says Park. “Kim Jong Un ordered his aunt, Kim Kyong Hui to be killed. Only his bodyguard unit, Unit 974, knew this — now senior officials also know she was poisoned.” [CNN]
You can read more at the link, but statements like this from defectors needs to be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism which the media usually doesn’t care about.
