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North Korea powerbroker 'dismissed' North Korea powerbroker 'dismissed'
(35 minutes later)
A powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been removed from his post, South Korean 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, they say Chang Song-thaek lost his position as vice-chairman of the North's top military body. Citing South Korea's intelligence agency, they say Chang Song-thaek lost his position as vice-chairman of the North's top military body.
Two close aides were also executed for corruption, according to the reports.Two close aides were also executed for corruption, according to the reports.
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. If confirmed, Mr Chang's removal would be the biggest upheaval in North Korea's leadership since Mr Kim succeeded his father, analysts say.
Kim Jong-un took over after Kim Jong-il died in 2011.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. The latest reports emerged from an intelligence briefing given to South Korean lawmakers.
The information emerged from an intelligence briefing given to South Korean lawmakers. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment based on information provided by multiple sources, the South's Yonhap news agency said.
It also quoted the intelligence service as saying two of Mr Chang's closest associates had been executed in public in late November.
The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Seoul says the reports are difficult to verify, and South Korea's spy agency has been proven wrong before. But if true, the development would mark a significant shift, she adds.
Mr Chang, who is married to Kim Jong-il's sister, was seen by some observers as the power behind the throne. He held key positions in both the Communist Party and the National Defence Commission.
His profile has risen sharply since Kim Jong-un came to power, leading some observers to predict a growing interest in economic reform.