Why was Jang Song-Thaek executed in North Korea in 2013?

Jang Song-Thaek was executed in late 2013 as part of Kim Jong-Un's efforts to consolidate his authority and eliminate potential challenges to his rule.12

Although international observers initially believed that Jang—the uncle of Kim Jong-Un—would exert significant influence and promote reform within the North Korea government, these assumptions proved incorrect. Jang was officially branded a traitor, and he and his inner circle were purged. Following his execution, his name and image were systematically erased from official party communications. This action was consistent with the broader pattern of Kim Jong-Un removing or demoting senior officials who had accrued influence under his father to ensure his own absolute control over the country's political system.12