North Korea has executed a ‘big shot’ couple accused of being arrogant and anti-republic after the success of their business.
Hundreds of people, including children, are said to have been forced to watch as a firing squad shot them dead in an open space in Pyongyang.
The pair, in their 50s, ran a private operation that sold, repaired, and rented electric bicycles, battery-powered motorcycle parts, and ordinary bikes.
Although they were formally registered with the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions in Sadong District, reports say they made significant profits on the side and became known as ‘big shots’.
Some residents held resentment toward them because of high wholesale prices, complaints about quality and what locals described as arrogant behaviour.
According to Daily NK, authorities accused them of violating the Rejection of Reactionary Thought and Culture Act. They were also alleged to have worked with an external organisation to illegally move foreign currency and spread anti-state messages.
After their arrest in early August, they were jointly interrogated and given a death sentence in early September. Around 20 people connected to them were reportedly given sentences of exile or reeducation.
The execution, held at an open space in Mirim, was witnessed by residents who had been ordered to attend.
A source said: ‘All managers, such as market managers and stall managers, were required to attend, so over 200 residents gathered at the time.’