Jang Song-thaek was a prominent North Korean political figure known for his close ties to the ruling Kim family. He was married to Kim Kyong-hui, the only daughter of Kim Il Sung, the founding leader of North Korea, and his first wife, Kim Jong-suk. This connection made Jang the uncle-in-law to the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un.
While the full extent of Jang's influence remains somewhat obscure in the West, it is widely believed that he held significant power during a critical period in North Korea's history. In 2008, officials and scholars from South Korea speculated that Jang acted as a de facto leader as Kim Jong Il's health deteriorated, a situation that ultimately led to Kim's death in December 2011. Jang was serving as vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission (NDC), a role regarded as second in command to the Supreme Leader. He was also believed to have attained the rank of four-star general around the same time, as he was seen in military attire during Kim Jong Il's funeral.
Despite his influential position and being a key policy adviser to Kim Jong Un, Jang's fortunes changed dramatically. In December 2013, he was publicly denounced as a counter-revolutionary, stripped of all his official roles, and expelled from the Workers' Party of Korea. His image was erased from state media, culminating in his execution by firing squad on December 13, 2013.
