How much does NIS know about Kim Jong Un?

The National Intelligence Service (NIS), South Korea`s spy agency, reported to the National Assembly`s intelligence committee on Wednesday that North Korea had executed its defense chief, the No. 2 man in the North`s military, on April 30. If the intelligence is true, the execution is the first purge of one of the most senior North Korean officials since Jang Song Thaek, a once powerful uncle-in-law of the North`s leader Kim Jong Un. According to the NIS, Hyon Yong Chol, the chief of North Korea`s People`s Armed Forces, was executed without even a trial. It is necessary to more closely watch what is going on inside the Kim Jong Un regime, which is resorting to a reign of terror. Still, there is also suspicions about whether it was a right thing to do for the spy agency to hurriedly disclose unverified intelligence and whether the NIS had an intention to show off its North Korea intelligence-gathering capabilities.

According to the NIS, Hyon was executed because he expressed discontent about the North Korean leader, failed several times to implement his orders, and dozed off at an official event where Kim delivered a speech -- a major violation of the North`s "10-point principles on monolithic leadership." When Jang was executed, the North denounced Jang for having conspired treason and half-hearted applauded at the presence of the leader. Considering some analysts` arguments that what really motivated Kim to purge Jang was a power struggle over interests, however, it is too early to come to a conclusion on Hyon`s execution.

Some North Korea watchers say the execution could be related with Kim`s cancellation of his planned visit to Russia. Hyon reportedly visited Russia in November 2014 and April this year to discuss Kim`s possible trip to Moscow. If Moscow`s rejection of Pyongyang`s request to purchase S-300 ground-to-air missile had something to do with Kim`s cancellation of his visit to Russia, as Hong Kong media recently reported, it is possible that the North Korean leader held Hyon responsible.

Hyon`s execution by firing squad using an anti-aircraft gun capable of firing 1,200 shots a minute at a military school in Pyongyang probably reflects Kim`s intention to solidify his control over the military by maximizing shock and terror. The North Korea elite may stay low out of fear for the time being, there will inevitably be resistance and less loyalty within the military. Solid as the Kim regime may seem right now, no one knows what will happen to it in the future. It is extremely important to look accurately inside the North and understand the situation. On April 29, the NIS reported that the North Korean leader was likely to visit Russia, only to be embarrassed by Russia`s announcement the following day that he would not come. The public is wary about the intelligence agency`s capabilities and preparedness for even unpredictable contingencies in the North.