Seoul: North Korean leader Kim had his military chief executed

In this Oct. 10, 2015, file photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers remarks at a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a meeting of senior ruling party officials aimed at rooting out corruption and abuses of power ahead of a major congress to be held in May, its state media reported Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 calling the gathering the first of its kind. AP FILE PHOTO

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had his military chief executed for corruption.

If true, the execution of Ri Yong Gil would be the latest in a series of killings, purges and dismissals since Kim took power in late 2011.

READ: North Korea executes 15 top officials this year – report

Details about North Korea’s opaque government are notoriously difficult for outsiders to get, even national governments, and South Korean officials have a spotty record of tracking developments in North Korea.

A South Korean official said Monday that Ri’s execution was part of Kim’s effort to bolster his grip on power.

The official didn’t say how the information was obtained and spoke on condition of anonymity because it involves confidential intelligence on North Korea.

The government had previously leaked the details to South Korean media.

READ: Kim Jong-un had vice premier executed with gun–sources