Kim spent $300 million on weapons tests
By Yi Whan-woo
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has purged over 340 people since taking power in December 2011, according to a research institute run by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Thursday.
In its white paper covering Kim's five-year reign, the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) said Pyongyang also spent $300 million on nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
The regime spent an additional $180 million in building 460 statues and monuments to reflect the three-generation lineage of the North Korean leadership, according to the report released on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Kim's rule.
It also comes amid Kim's reign of terror and a series of defections among North Koreans from various social backgrounds, including the upper class and elite.
One of the latest high-profile defectors is Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom who is scheduled to start work at the INSS next year after defecting in July.
The white paper said Kim, who is in his 30s, has purged people to consolidate his power as well as secure the country's dynastic rule after replacing his father Kim Jong-il who died abruptly, Dec. 17, 2011.
The report showed the young tyrant has continued his purges even after being named as supreme commander of the North Korean military, Dec. 30, 2011, and succeeding in taking full control of the country's party and government by April 2012.
The 340 victims include both high-ranking officials and members of the public.
The number of high-ranking officials who were executed or punished increased from three in 2012 to 30 in 2013, 40 in 2014 and 60 in 2015.
Among the high-profile executions were Kim's uncle Jang Song-thaek, former defense minister Hyon Yong-chol, two former vice premiers ― Kim Yong Jin and Choe Yong-gon ― and vice minister of the Korean People's Army General Staff Byun In-sun.
The white paper said Kim Jong-un temporarily ceased his purges after having Hyon shot to death in April with an anti-aircraft gun as punishment for sleeping during a meeting presided over by him.
He then purged an additional 140 people afterwards, including three senior officials who were executed this year.
"Those who have been subject to execution range from the officials of the party, the government and the military, and killing senior officials has become a part of daily life," according to the white paper.
The number of public executions of citizens without official titles hit 60 this year. This is more than double the average number of people executed every year under Kim's rule.
The white paper speculated that the Kim regime is likely to step up justifying its policy of pursuing parallel goals of nuclear and economic development in 2017.
It said North Korea will enter the final stage of idolizing Kim next year while underscoring the "futility" of international nuclear sanctions on Pyongyang.
"Such an attempt, however, will rather accelerate cracks within the regime because of the heavy financial burden in idolizing Kim, and the forced mobilization of the people," the white paper stated.
Qorvo seeks to sell chips for Korea's Wi-Fi networks 
Vehicle runs into US embassy entrance 
Why do workers choose not to do their best? 
Kim Jong-un 'begged for summit on hands and knees': Giuliani 
Mina's young husband reveals his hard life in US
How much more US insulting can North Korean leader take? 
Korean backpacker rescued after week missing in Australian ravine 
Hyundai Motor offers glimpse of highly-anticipated Palisade SUV 
Hastily arranged international marriages 'must end' 
Sisters to go head to head in 2018 Miss Korea Pageant final 
.jpg)
.jpg)