North Korean ambassador to UNESCO recalled over rising political tension at home

A File picture released for Sunday’s preparation of the second anniversary of the selection of Kim Jong-un as North Korea’s new leader. (EPA Photo/KCNA

North Korea’s deputy ambassador to UNESCO Hong Yong returned home today after being recalled by the communist country’s leader Kim Jong-un, a report said.

The sudden recall of the ambassador, sources disclosed, was part of a purge spurred by the execution of the Kim’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek, who was seen as North’s unofficial number two and the leader’s political mentor. He was put to death on December 12 during an array of charges including treason and corruption.

Hong Yong, the North Korean’s deputy permanent delegate to UNESCO, and his wife were spotted at Beijing airport on Monday before taking the flight to Pyongyang, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said.

The shock purge has been noted by observers as the biggest political upheaval since the young ruler took power after the death of his father and the former leader, Kim Jong-il, two years ago.