The chief of North Korea’s military, General Ri Young-gil, has been executed on charges of corruption, according to a South Korean news agency.

He had been chief of the general staff for North Korea since he was appointed to the role in August 2013 by Kim Jong-un .

According to the Yonhap News agency citing sources “familiar with North Korean affairs”, General Ri was purged this month facing accusations of “pursuing personal gains”.

According to reports, the North Korean leader has removed many senior officials in recent months for crimes such as treason and watching South Korean soap operas.

However, reports of the military chief’s death cannot be confirmed.