North Korea CRACKDOWN: Pyongyang PUNISHES key military chiefs after rare inspection

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said that Pyongyang probed its military’s General Political Bureau for the first time in two decades.

Hwang Pyong-so, the bureau’s chief, and Kim Won-hong, deputy chief, were punished but the extent of the discipline is not yet known.

Kim Byung-kee, a South Korean member of parliament, said: “We have been watching the situation as we have gathered such intelligence [on the punishment].” 

The inspection was led by Choe Ryong-hae, the vice chairman of the Central Committee of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party.

The bureau is seen as an influential military institutional as it leads the crucial personnel management of other military bodies such as the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces, which was once headed by Choe.

The punishment against Hwang came as a surprise as he had been seen as one of the most powerful military figures.

Hwang rose to prominence in 2014 as he took the helm of the bureau. 

He replaced Choe, sparking speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un might be pitting them against each other to keep them in check and ensure their loyalty.

The NIS also reported that the North has been focusing on forestalling a possible negative impact of the tightening international sanctions on public sentiment.

The NIS said: “[Pyongyang] has devised a system where by party organs report people’s economic hardships on a daily basis, and it has banned any gatherings related to drinking, singing and other entertainment and is strengthening control of outside information.”