South Korean media outlet Chosun TV reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un allegedly ordered the execution of 20 to 30 officials for their purported failure to prevent severe flooding and landslides this summer. The report, which cites an unnamed North Korean official, claims the floods resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths.
According to the anonymous source quoted by Chosun TV, Kim Jong Un demanded “strict punishment” for those held responsible for the “unacceptable loss” of lives. The executions, reportedly carried out late last month, were said to be on charges of corruption and negligence.
“It has been determined that 20 to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month,” the official was quoted as saying.
While the identities of the allegedly executed officials were not disclosed, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported that Kang Bong-hoon, who had served as the secretary of the Chagang Province Provincial Party Committee since 2019, was among the leaders removed from their positions by Kim Jong Un.
In July, North Korea experienced severe rainfall causing widespread landslides and flooding, affecting more than 4,000 homes and displacing 15,000 residents. Kim Jong Un personally visited the affected areas and acknowledged that rebuilding would take several months.
However, the North Korean leader has previously denied reports of a high death toll from the flooding, dismissing such claims as “false rumors” and accusing South Korea of spreading them as part of a “smear campaign.”
The Korea Times, another South Korean media outlet, reported that public executions in North Korea have increased significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming a rise from about 10 per year to approximately 100 annually.
These reports have not been independently verified, and North Korea has not publicly commented on the alleged executions. Due to the closed nature of North Korean society, obtaining and verifying information about internal affairs remains challenging for outside observers.
