Kim Jong-un Allegedly Executed Defense Chief For Falling Asleep During Rally

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un reportedly had his defense minister executed for what he claims were acts of treason.

According to BBC, Hyon Yong-chol was fatally shot by an anti-aircraft gun while hundreds watched on April 30.

His reported crimes included falling asleep during a military rally attended by Jong-un, not following orders and expressing distaste toward the dictator at a security conference in Moscow last month.

Another reason for the execution may have been Yong-chol's inability to solidify a weapons deal during the Moscow event, The Guardian reports.

Yong-chol was a military general since 2010 and was appointed defense minister in 2014.

He was a member of the funeral committee for Jong-un's father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011.

Aside from Kim Jong-un, the seven pallbearers who were in the ceremony have been executed, fired or have not appeared in public recently.

Sources speculate the gun that killed Yong-chol was armed with 14.5mm-caliber bullets.

Such methods of execution are said to be reserved for high-powered officials.

The defense minister's death comes weeks after reports that 15 senior officials were executed for speaking against Jong-un's policies.

One of the victims was a lieutenant general and architect who was said to be in charge of North Korea's finances.

Since Kim Jong-un, 32, was appointed North Korea's leader, a reported 70 officials have died.

The most infamous execution was that of Jong-un's uncle and second-in-command, Jang Sung-taek.

In an interview this week, a North Korean official who defected from the isolated nation claimed Jong-un also had his uncle's wife poisoned about a year ago.

Citations: North Korea Defence Chief Hyon Yong chol executed (BBC), North Korea defence chief reportedly executed with anti aircraft gun (The Guardian)