North Korea leader says execution of uncle removed 'filth'
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has commented for the first time on his uncle’s execution, saying the ruling party is stronger after being purged of “factional filth”.
Kim, the third generation of his family to rule the reclusive state, did not mention the once-powerful Chang Song Thaek by name. But the reference to his former mentor was clear.
The North Korean leader alluded to last month’s execution of Chang as a traitor in a new year message that also included calls for better relations with the South.
The two countries are still technically at war.
Pyongyang had earlier warned that it could strike Seoul without notice.
Kim said that another war on the Korean peninsula would cause a massive nuclear disaster that would also hit the United States.
Kim, the third generation of his family to rule the reclusive state, did not mention the once-powerful Chang Song Thaek by name. But the reference to his former mentor was clear.
The North Korean leader alluded to last month’s execution of Chang as a traitor in a new year message that also included calls for better relations with the South.
The two countries are still technically at war.
Pyongyang had earlier warned that it could strike Seoul without notice.
Kim said that another war on the Korean peninsula would cause a massive nuclear disaster that would also hit the United States.