North Korea has publicly executed its defense chief after he dozed off during military events and "did not carry out" instructions from Kim Jong-Un, South Korea media reported, citing intelligence officials.
South Korea's spy agency briefed parliament on the executions Tuesday, telling officials the North Korean defense minister was executed by firing squad on April 30 using an anti-aircraft gun.
Hundreds of officials reported watched the execution of Hyon Yong-Chol, according to South Korean intelligence officials.
Hyon had been appointed to defense chief less than a year ago, South Korea media reported.
The violent and sudden death of one of North Korea's top military and political commanders would not be the first since Kim Jong-Un took power.
Earlier this week, CNN reported that a senior North Korean official who defected claimed Kim Jong-Un ordered his aunt Kim Kyong Hui be poisoned.
The official claimed Kim wanted to silence his aunt, who was angry after the execution of her husband Jang Song Thaek, Kim's presumed No. 2.