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The Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Kim Jong-un's Stalinist purge laid bare as bungling commanders VANISH from official pics over warship crash humiliation
FURIOUS Kim Jong-un is feared to have begun executing navy commanders he deems responsible for the botched warship launch. Humiliated North Korean tyrant Kim has airbrushed state photos to remove bungling officials - making it seem like they never existed. 10 The iron-fist ruler was left red-faced after his 5,000-ton naval destroyer ended up on its side as he branded the disaster a "criminal act". Several officials at the northern Chongjin shipyard were arrested after the failure in May as Kim blasted their "absolute carelessness". But now the dictator appears to have started purging those he holds accountable after warning their mistake was "never to be forgiven". Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik and shipyard boss Hong Kil Ho have also been erased from pictures of an inspection in a move reminiscent of Joseph Stalin 's attempts to rewrite history. Soviet dictator Stalin - despite lack of photoshop in the 20th century - famously got his cronies to remove NKVD (later KGB) chief Nikolai Yezhov from a photo after he fell out of favour and was executed. Much like Yezhov's removal from an image beside Stalin, both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho have been edited out of photos originally broadcast on state TV on March 8 after Kim viewed the vessel. Veteran North Korea watcher Michael Madden said it is likely they had both been executed - or are in line for that experience imminently. Madden, founder of NK Leadership Watch, told The Sun: "The airbrushing of a North Korean official from a state media image like this is a strong indication that the person in question has been executed. "The intention is to make it as if the person never existed." Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were among at least four officials arrested at the shipyard after Kim's prized guided-missile destroyer was damaged as it capsized during its launch on May 21. Humiliated Kim Jong Un lauds FAILED 'sunken' warship in bizarre relaunch ceremony They have both been scrubbed from images of Kim inspecting the warship during construction, which have been republished this month. Madden added: "If Kim Myong Sik fell on his sword, he may have avoided a public execution and saved his family and close associates from imprisonment. "On the other hand, if KJU is in a message-sending mood then they may gather other top officials in the military and defense industry to watch. "Admiral Kim Myong Sik has been around as a top navy commander since KJU assumed leadership in 2011. "But he has had an inconsistent career--even before this he had already been dismissed twice as North Korea's top navy commander. The third time was not the charm for Admiral Kim. "This underscores that when North Korea has a high official executed that it is not for a one-off infraction. "Rather, the view is that the leader and the party have given you many chances to prove yourself. "By not redeeming yourself you are abusing the trust bestowed on you holding the high office. "This seems to be the case with Admiral Kim." 10 10 10 10 Both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were noticeably absent from the relaunch ceremony after being ousted from their respective posts. Despot Kim saw red when the initial launch embarrassed him on the world stage - accusing those responsible for 'severely damaging the [country's] dignity and pride'. Satellite images showed the warship on its side beside the launch dock, partially submerged at the stern with its bow resting on the harbour jetty. North Korea's implementation of the death penalty has long been condemned by human rights groups. The nation's hermetic state means the true number of executions isn't clear - but defectors have given gruesome accounts. In February, The Sun reported how dozens of party officials were punished for an embarrassing "drinking spree" that ended in a "major incident" at Ryonggang Hot Springs resort. Insiders believe this could have involved physical fights, abuse towards staff, cavorting with mistresses and trashing the premises. It was feared Kim could send his own officials to face the firing squad as a result after wiping the committee off the map. Last year, North Korea admitted carrying out public executions in a rare admission of its treatment of prisoners. Executions were ordered for 30 officials in September after Kim accused them of failing to prevent flooding and landslides that killed 1,000 people.
Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Kim Jong-un's Stalinist purge laid bare as bungling commanders VANISH from official pics over warship crash humiliation
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FURIOUS Kim Jong-un is feared to have begun executing navy commanders he deems responsible for the botched warship launch. Humiliated North Korean tyrant Kim has airbrushed state photos to remove bungling officials - making it seem like they never existed. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik and shipyard boss Hong Kil Ho can be seen at a gathering when Kim Jong-un inspected the ship Credit: KCTV 10 Both were removed from republished images after the launch failure Credit: KCTV 10 A satellite image of the ship covered with a blue tarp after the incident Credit: Reuters The iron-fist ruler was left red-faced after his 5,000-ton naval destroyer ended up on its side as he branded the disaster a "criminal act". Several officials at the northern Chongjin shipyard were arrested after the failure in May as Kim blasted their "absolute carelessness". But now the dictator appears to have started purging those he holds accountable after warning their mistake was "never to be forgiven". Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik and shipyard boss Hong Kil Ho have also been erased from pictures of an inspection in a move reminiscent of Joseph Stalin's attempts to rewrite history. Soviet dictator Stalin - despite lack of photoshop in the 20th century - famously got his cronies to remove NKVD (later KGB) chief Nikolai Yezhov from a photo after he fell out of favour and was executed. Much like Yezhov's removal from an image beside Stalin, both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho have been edited out of photos originally broadcast on state TV on March 8 after Kim viewed the vessel. Veteran North Korea watcher Michael Madden said it is likely they had both been executed - or are in line for that experience imminently. Madden, founder of NK Leadership Watch, told The Sun: "The airbrushing of a North Korean official from a state media image like this is a strong indication that the person in question has been executed. "The intention is to make it as if the person never existed." Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were among at least four officials arrested at the shipyard after Kim's prized guided-missile destroyer was damaged as it capsized during its launch on May 21. Humiliated Kim Jong Un lauds FAILED 'sunken' warship in bizarre relaunch ceremony They have both been scrubbed from images of Kim inspecting the warship during construction, which have been republished this month. Madden added: "If Kim Myong Sik fell on his sword, he may have avoided a public execution and saved his family and close associates from imprisonment. "On the other hand, if KJU is in a message-sending mood then they may gather other top officials in the military and defense industry to watch. "Admiral Kim Myong Sik has been around as a top navy commander since KJU assumed leadership in 2011. "But he has had an inconsistent career--even before this he had already been dismissed twice as North Korea's top navy commander. The third time was not the charm for Admiral Kim. "This underscores that when North Korea has a high official executed that it is not for a one-off infraction. "Rather, the view is that the leader and the party have given you many chances to prove yourself. "By not redeeming yourself you are abusing the trust bestowed on you holding the high office. "This seems to be the case with Admiral Kim." 10 Nikolai Yezhov, right, with Stalin and Molotov in 1937 Credit: Alamy 10 He was removed from the image after he was executed in 1938 Credit: David King 10 Kim Myong Sik could be seen in an image on March 8 listening to Kim speak at a shipyard Credit: KCTV 10 The commander was later erased from the photo Credit: KCTV 10 Aerial picture of the ship before the accident Credit: AFP 10 Kim Jong-un pictured earlier this month at another shipyard Credit: AP Both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were noticeably absent from the relaunch ceremony after being ousted from their respective posts. Despot Kim saw red when the initial launch embarrassed him on the world stage - accusing those responsible for 'severely damaging the [country's] dignity and pride'. Satellite images showed the warship on its side beside the launch dock, partially submerged at the stern with its bow resting on the harbour jetty. North Korea's implementation of the death penalty has long been condemned by human rights groups. The nation's hermetic state means the true number of executions isn't clear - but defectors have given gruesome accounts. In February, The Sun reported how dozens of party officials were punished for an embarrassing "drinking spree" that ended in a "major incident" at Ryonggang Hot Springs resort. Insiders believe this could have involved physical fights, abuse towards staff, cavorting with mistresses and trashing the premises. It was feared Kim could send his own officials to face the firing squad as a result after wiping the committee off the map. Last year, North Korea admitted carrying out public executions in a rare admission of its treatment of prisoners. Executions were ordered for 30 officials in September after Kim accused them of failing to prevent flooding and landslides that killed 1,000 people.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Kim Jong-un's Stalinist purge laid bare as bungling commanders VANISH from official pics over warship crash humiliation
FURIOUS Kim Jong-un is feared to have begun executing navy commanders he deems responsible for the botched warship launch. Humiliated North Korean tyrant Kim has airbrushed state photos to remove bungling officials - making it seem like they never existed. 10 Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik and shipyard boss Hong Kil Ho can be seen at a gathering when Kim Jong-un inspected the ship Credit: KCTV 10 Both were removed from republished images after the launch failure Credit: KCTV 10 A satellite image of the ship covered with a blue tarp after the incident Credit: Reuters The iron-fist ruler was left red-faced after his 5,000-ton naval destroyer ended up on its side as he branded the disaster a "criminal act". Several officials at the northern Chongjin shipyard were arrested after the failure in May as Kim blasted their "absolute carelessness". But now the dictator appears to have started purging those he holds accountable after warning their mistake was "never to be forgiven". Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik and shipyard boss Hong Kil Ho have also been erased from pictures of an inspection in a move reminiscent of More on North Korea Soviet dictator Stalin - despite lack of photoshop in the 20th century - famously got his cronies to remove NKVD (later KGB) chief Nikolai Yezhov from a photo after he fell out of favour and was executed. Much like Yezhov's removal from an image beside Stalin, both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho have been edited out of photos originally broadcast on state TV on March 8 after Kim viewed the vessel. Veteran North Korea watcher Michael Madden said it is likely they had both been executed - or are in line for that experience imminently. Madden, founder of NK Leadership Watch, told The Sun: "The airbrushing of a North Korean official from a state media image like this is a strong indication that the person in question has been executed. Most read in The Sun "The intention is to make it as if the person never existed." Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were among at least four officials arrested at the shipyard after Kim's prized guided-missile destroyer was damaged as it capsized during its launch on May 21. Humiliated Kim Jong Un lauds FAILED 'sunken' warship in bizarre relaunch ceremony They have both been scrubbed from images of Kim inspecting the warship during construction, which have been republished this month. Madden added: "If Kim Myong Sik fell on his sword, he may have avoided a public execution and saved his family and close associates from imprisonment. "On the other hand, if KJU is in a message-sending mood then they may gather other top officials in the military and defense industry to watch. "Admiral Kim Myong Sik has been around as a top navy commander since KJU assumed leadership in 2011. "But he has had an inconsistent career--even before this he had already been dismissed twice as North Korea's top navy commander. The third time was not the charm for Admiral Kim. "This underscores that when North Korea has a high official executed that it is not for a one-off infraction. "Rather, the view is that the leader and the party have given you many chances to prove yourself. "By not redeeming yourself you are abusing the trust bestowed on you holding the high office. "This seems to be the case with Admiral Kim." 10 Nikolai Yezhov, right, with Stalin and Molotov in 1937 Credit: Alamy 10 He was removed from the image after he was executed in 1938 Credit: David King 10 Kim Myong Sik could be seen in an image on March 8 listening to Kim speak at a shipyard Credit: KCTV 10 The commander was later erased from the photo Credit: KCTV 10 Aerial picture of the ship before the accident Credit: AFP 10 Kim Jong-un pictured earlier this month at another shipyard Credit: AP Both Kim Myong Sik and Hong Kil Ho were noticeably absent from the relaunch ceremony after being ousted from their respective posts. Despot Kim saw red when the initial launch embarrassed him on the world stage - accusing those responsible for 'severely damaging the [country's] dignity and pride'. Satellite images showed the warship on its side beside the launch dock, partially submerged at the stern with its bow resting on the harbour jetty. North Korea's implementation of the death penalty has long been condemned by human rights groups. The nation's hermetic state means the true number of executions isn't clear - but defectors have given gruesome accounts. In February, The Sun reported how dozens of party officials were Insiders believe this could have involved physical fights, abuse towards staff, cavorting with mistresses and trashing the premises. It was feared Kim could send his own officials to face the firing squad as a result after wiping the committee off the map. Last year, North Korea admitted carrying out public executions in a rare admission of its treatment of prisoners. Executions were ordered for 30 officials in September after Kim accused them of failing to prevent flooding and landslides that killed 1,000 people. 10
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
North Korea Airbrushes Commander From Photos After Warship Fail
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. North Korea has airbrushed a top military commander from official photos run by state media after Kim Jong Un was reportedly enraged by damage sustained to a navy ship during a failed launch. The 5,000 ton warship, a guided-missile destroyer, was damaged on May 21 when it keeled over during its launch. Former Navy Commander Kim Myong Sik and former Chongjin Shipyard manager Hong Gil Ho were subsequently erased from images of the North Korean leader inspecting the warship while it was under construction, NK News reported Friday. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean Embassy in Washington for comment by email. Why It Matters The failed launch is reported to have deeply embarrassed Kim Jong Un as he attempts to modernize North Korea's navy. He vowed to hold those responsible criminally liable. According to NK News, a U.S.-based outlet focused on North Korea, this marks the first time Pyongyang has erased individuals from state media footage since the execution of former North Korean Minister of State Security Jang Song Thaek in 2013. What To Know A photograph released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on March 8, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, inspecting an under-construction warship at the Hambuk Shipyard in Chongjin, alongside then-North... A photograph released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on March 8, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, inspecting an under-construction warship at the Hambuk Shipyard in Chongjin, alongside then-North Korean Navy Commander Kim Myong Sik, second right, and then-shipyard manager Hong Gil Ho, third left, both of whom were erased from subsequent images released by North Korean state media in June. More KCNA According to NK News, state media republished photos on Friday that were previously released in March, "this time deleting two key figures in a sign of their removal from leadership positions." Kim and Hong were both removed from the images that were republished, with state media reporting that the the former shipyard manager was "clearly responsible for the accident." Drag slider compare photos Hong was summoned by authorities days after the warship mishap which saw the destroyer become stuck after the transport cradle beneath its stern section slid off, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Images supplied to Newsweek by U.S. commercial satellite firm Planet at the time confirmed the vessel was resting in an awkward position at Chongjin's Hambuk Shipyard, partially covered by blue tarpaulins to mask the damage. Navy commander Kim, a longtime ally of the North Korean leader, was also removed from the photo, though it's not clear if he faced any punishment. Drag slider compare photos Both were "conspicuously absent" from the relaunch ceremony, NK News reported, noting that new Navy Commander Pak Kwang Sop appeared to have attended the event with Kim instead. The media outlet said that the erasure of the two individuals from the state media images could suggest they've either both been ousted from their positions, or they face punishment such as execution or imprisonment. Kim has described the botched launch as a "criminal act" that "could not be tolerated." North Korea was later seen deploying suspected balloons to assist in the warship's recovery, according to satellite images. What People Are Saying The Korean Central News Agency reported: "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a stern assessment, saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism which should never occur and could not be tolerated." What Happens Next The destroyer is undergoing repairs in the Rajin Dockyard. Kim has given a late June deadline for its "perfect restoration," though it's unclear whether that target will be met.
