North Korea Executes Kim Jong Un's Uncle

PYONGYANG, North Korea - North Korea on Friday announced the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle, calling the leader's former mentor a traitor and "worse than a dog."

The announcement came only days after Pyongyang announced through state media that Jang Song Thaek - long considered the country's No. 2 power - had been removed from all his posts because of allegations of corruption, drug use, gambling, womanizing and leading a "dissolute and depraved life."

Jang was seen as helping Kim Jong Un consolidate power after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, two years ago. Jang was the latest and most significant in a series of personnel reshuffles that Kim has conducted in an apparent effort to bolster his power.
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