<![CDATA[S.Korea: Kim Jong Un probably purged uncle]]> – South Korea’s top official says Jang Song Thaek, an uncle and mentor of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was probably removed from his posts by Kim himself.

Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae made the remark at a National Assembly committee meeting on Wednesday.

One day earlier, the country’s intelligence agency reported the possible dismissal of Jang from all of his posts, including the vice chairmanship of the powerful National Defense Commission.

Ryoo suggested that Jang’s personal life has not been affected by his removal.

He denied that the move had anything to do with a power struggle between Jang and Choe Ryong Hae, the director of the Korean People’s Army General Political Bureau.

Ryoo suggested that Kim’s power base is firm, rejecting the view that he has not yet taken control of the party, government or military despite his youth. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131204_40.html

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