North Korean Leader's Uncle Removed from Office

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 3 (UPI) —
The uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been removed from power, the South Korean intelligence agency said Tuesday.

The National Intelligence Agency said it determined Jang Song Thaek was removed from power after two of his confidants were executed in public, Yonhap reported.

Jang is the husband of Kim Kyong Hui, aunt of the North Korean leader. He has been considered the most influential figure in North Korea after Kim, and played a role in Kim’s securing power after the death of his father Kim Jong Il in 2011.