Friday, July 27, 2012

Why Was The North Korean Army Chief Purged

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (right) with former chief of general staff of the Korean People's Army Ri Yong-ho Photo: Reuters

Purged North Korean Army Chief Ousted For 'Defying Orders' -- The Telegraph

North Korea's Army chief Ri Yong-ho may have been ousted for defying orders and moving troops near Pyongyang during a military exercise, South Korean intelligence sources told a major South Korean news agency.

The troop move drew the ire of Ri's main rivals Jang Song-taek, the uncle and guardian of leader Kim Jong-un, and Vice Marshal Choe Ryong-hae, Chosun.com reported.

While it is clear that the situation on the Korean peninsula was unstable following the death of Kim Jong-il, the news agency makes no mention of whether the troop moves may have been linked to a possible coup d’état.

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My Comment:
This is the best explanation that I have read so far on why this military purge happened. For a breakdown on who is who in North Korea's military and poltiical elite, the BBC has a good summary.

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