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North Korea powerbroker 'dismissed' North Korea powerbroker 'dismissed'
(35 minutes later)
The powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been removed from his post, two media reports say. A powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been removed from his post, South Korean media reports say.
Citing intelligence sources, the South Korean reports said Chang Song-thaek had lost his position as vice-chairman of North Korea's top military body. Citing intelligence sources, they say Chang Song-thaek lost his position as vice-chairman of the North's top military body.
Mr Chang had been seen as a key figure in the administration of North Korea's young new leader. Two close aides were also executed for corruption, according to the reports.
Observers believed he was a major influence on Mr Kim, who assumed the leadership of North Korea in 2011. If confirmed, Mr Chang's removal would be the most significant upheaval in North Korea's leadership since Mr Kim succeeded his father, analysts say.
Kim Jong-un took over the leadership after his father Kim Jong-il died. Kim Jong-un took over after Kim Jong-il died in 2011.
Mr Chang, who is married to Kim Jong-il's sister, was seen by some observers as the power behind the throne with considerable influence over the new leader.Mr Chang, who is married to Kim Jong-il's sister, was seen by some observers as the power behind the throne with considerable influence over the new leader.
The information emerged from an intelligence briefing given to South Korean lawmakers.