North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has reportedly ordered the execution of up to 30 government officials, accusing them of failing to prevent the devastating floods and landslides that have ravaged parts of the country. According to South Korean media reports, these officials were charged with corruption, dereliction of duty, and being responsible for the “unacceptable loss” of lives due to the natural disasters that struck in July, which are believed to have resulted in approximately 1,000 deaths.
The executions, which took place late last month, were first reported by South Korea’s Chosun TV, citing a North Korean official. The official revealed that the executions occurred simultaneously, with around 20 to 30 high-ranking cadres from the flood-stricken areas being sentenced to death. These actions reflect Kim Jong-Un’s “strict punishment” directive aimed at those deemed responsible for the disasters.
In July, North Korea experienced severe rainfall that triggered landslides and flooding, particularly affecting the border city of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Phyongan Province. The flooding caused widespread destruction, with over 4,000 homes damaged and 15,000 residents displaced. Reports indicate that nearly 7,410 acres of agricultural land were flooded, along with many public buildings, structures, roads, and railways being heavily damaged.
Kim Jong-Un personally visited the affected areas, including Uiju County, to assess the damage and meet with flood victims. He stated that it would take several months to rebuild and restore the neighborhoods that were completely inundated by the floods. The North Korean government provided temporary shelter in Pyongyang for 15,400 people, including vulnerable groups such as mothers, children, the elderly, and disabled soldiers.
Despite the severe impact of the floods, Kim Jong-Un has denied reports of a high death toll, dismissing them as “false rumors” propagated by South Korea. He accused the South Korean government of engaging in a “smear campaign” designed to damage North Korea’s international reputation. South Korean media, however, continues to report that the number of those who died or went missing could exceed 1,000.
The recent executions are part of a broader trend in North Korea, where public executions have surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, the country reportedly conducted around 10 public executions per year. However, this number has skyrocketed to approximately 100 annual public executions, representing a tenfold increase, according to the Korea Times.
Lee Il-gyu, a former North Korean diplomat now with the International Korean Peninsula Forum, remarked that North Korean officials are increasingly anxious about their safety. “Even though there was recent flood damage, they were dismissed for social security reasons, and the executives themselves are so anxious that they don’t know when their necks will fall off,” Lee commented, highlighting the climate of fear and uncertainty among North Korea’s leadership.
Following the devastating floods, offers of assistance poured in from China, Russia, and even South Korea. However, Kim Jong-Un refused all external aid, expressing gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for offering assistance but stating that North Korea would pursue its rehabilitation work according to its pre-established plan. Kim emphasised that state measures had been taken, and North Korea would seek help only when necessary.
