Public executions in North Korea? Report raises fear of new repression

A South Korean newspaper reports that dozens have been executed in North Korea; in at least one case, in front of 10,000. If true, it could signal a new wave of repression for the brutal regime.




North Korea’s brutal and secretive regime may have unleashed a new wave of repression, executing dozens of people in public spectacles in seven cities last week, according to a report in a major South Korean newspaper Tuesday.


The report in JoongAng Ilbo was sourced to a single, unidentified person described as someone “familiar with internal affairs in the North who recently visited the country,” and, as with most events concerning North Korea, was impossible to independently confirm. But a group of North Korean defectors living in South Korea partially confirmed the account, giving it more credence.

JoongAng Ilbo said that many of the alleged executions were intended to demonstrate on a massive scale the punishment for watching unsanctioned foreign films and distributing pornography, the two most common transgressions.




In August it was reported that Kim jong-un's ex-girl friend had been executed along with several members of the musical group she belonged to for allegedly making "pornographic films".

North Korea is the first country in which a family has created a dictatorial dynasty. Yet Kim Jong-un believes it necessary to prove his worth as a leader to the power behind the throne. The North Korean military. Without their backing his rule would come to end with his back against a wall followed by death due to blunt force trauma or motor round landing in his teeth.