North Korea executes Kim Jong Un's uncle

In the biggest upheaval since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un succeeded his father two years ago, the country announced Thursday the execution of Kim's uncle, who was sacked from leadership on Monday.

Citing the Korean Central News Agency, CNN reports Jang Song Thaek was executed for trying to overthrow the government. The KCNA report described Jang as "despicable human scum" and "worse than a dog," and said he had betrayed his party and leader.

Jang, who was married to Kim's aunt, had served as vice chairman of North Korea's top military body and had often been pictured beside the 30-year-old leader, who has ruled North Korea since the death in 2011 of his father, Kim Jong Il.

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