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China Busts Gang Of North Korean Agents Supposedly Sent To Assassinate Kim Jong Un’s Nephew

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Ryan Pickrell China/Asia Pacific Reporter
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The Chinese appear to suspect North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un isn’t done murdering his relatives.

Chinese authorities arrested several suspected North Korean agents, who police believe were sent to assassinate Kim Han Sol, the son of the late Kim Jong Nam, the young North Korean leader’s half brother, Bloomberg reports, citing South Korean media.

Kim Jong Nam was murdered with VX, a lethal nerve gas, at an airport in Malaysia earlier this year. While two women, one from Vietnam and another from Indonesia, carried out the hit, the plot is believed to have been orchestrated by North Korean agents. The North Korean handlers returned home, but the two women were detained and are currently on trial for murder.

The two women pleaded not guilty, claiming they thought it was a prank.

Kim Jong Un reportedly issued a standing order for the death of his older brother, who some suspected might one day rule North Korea before he was suddenly exiled. After an assassination attempt was made five years ago, Kim Jong Nam is said to have begged the young dictator to spare his life. He once told reporters that he felt like he was “living on borrowed time.”

After the North Korean leader took power in the wake of his father’s passing, Kim Jong Un purged hundreds of officials, murdering them and their families in violent executions. He had his reformist uncle Jang Song Thaek killed in 2013.

Kim has maintained power and authority through a “reign of terror” and bloodshed.

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