Japan Media Reports on DPRK #2 Downfall

                                  (Photo: Yonghap)

On December 13, the Japan media reported on the removal and execution of Kim Jong Un’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, former Vice chairman of the National Defense Commission and member of the Worker’s Party Political Bureau. The English language press for the most part ran the same headline and lede copy.

 The Asahi Shinbun went with the headline:

“North Korea executes leader’s uncle as a traitor”

 “North Korea said December 13 that it had executed Kim Jong Un’s uncle as a traitor for trying to seize supreme power, a stunning end for the leader’s former mentor, long considered the country’s No.2.”

 The Japan Times’ headline read the same:

“North Korea executes leader’s uncle as a traitor”

 “North Korea announced Friday it had executed Kim Jong Un’s uncle as a traitor for trying to seize supreme power, a stunning end for the leader’s former mentor, who was long considered the country’s No.2 official.”

The Japan News (Yomiuri) followed suit with its headline and lede:

“North Korea executes leader’s uncle as a traitor”

 “North Korea said Friday that it had executed Kim Jong Un’s uncle, calling the leader’s former mentor a traitor who tried to seize power and overthrow the state.”

  In an analysis piece, the Asahi used the headline:

Jiang’s execution solidifies Kim’s dictatorship

“North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent an unmistakable message to anyone daring to challenge his authority with the purging and speedy execution of his uncle, considered his primary guardian and the nation’s second most powerful man.”