Is China linked to death of Kim Jong-un's uncle?
Kim accused of ordering execution in 'rage' over plot to topple him
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is accused of ordering his uncle's death because Jang Song-thaek was plotting a coup and seeking China's help, according to a report in Japan's Nikkei Asian Review.
Jang reportedly travelled to Beijing in August 2012 to convince Hu Jintao, then-Chinese president, to back a plot to replace Kim with his elder half-brother, reports Nikkei Asian Review.
China's head of state security, Zhou Yongkang, reportedly tipped off the North Korean leader – an act for which he was jailed, the Japanese publication says.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
There were "hints" of a power challenge at the time of Jang's execution in December 2013, the Daily Telegraph reports. State media accused him of betrayal and attempting to "bring down" the DPRK.
It is not clear whether Kim's half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, was involved, "although his assassination in Kuala Lumpur airport in February with VX gas would suggest that Kim Jong-un was taking no chances that he might one day usurp him", the Daily Telegraph reports.
If Kim Jong-nam was involved in a coup plot, that could explain "why Kim went after his half-brother", author Bradley Martin told the Telegraph.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Week contest: Stick guitar
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'Sports executives ushered a fox into the henhouse'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Gaza hospital blast: What the video evidence shows about who's to blame
Speed Read Nobody wants to take responsibility for the deadly explosion in the courtyard of Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital. Roll the tape.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giraffe poo seized after woman wanted to use it to make a necklace
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Helicopter sound arouses crocodiles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Woman sues Disney over 'injurious wedgie'
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Emotional support alligator turned away from baseball stadium
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Europe's oldest shoes found in Spanish caves
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Artworks stolen by Nazis returned to heirs of cabaret performer
It wasn't all bad Good news stories from the past seven days
By The Week Staff Published