North Korea has reportedly executed a couple in their 50s who ran a private business in Pyongyang’s Mirim district, labeling their actions as anti-republic and anti-socialist. Hundreds of residents, including minors, were allegedly forced to witness the public execution.
The Daily Mail and other sources reported on Friday that the couple had operated a profitable business selling, repairing, and renting electric bicycle and motorcycle parts for several years. After complaints from some residents about the couple’s perceived arrogant attitude, North Korean authorities arrested them in early August. Following a joint interrogation, they were sentenced to death in early September. Twenty individuals associated with the couple faced expulsion or re-education measures.
Authorities accused the couple of having ties to external criminal organizations to facilitate foreign currency outflow, charging them with violations of the Anti-Reactionary Thought Law.
The public execution took place in a large area of Mirim, with mandatory attendance for market managers and street vendors. Many residents, unable to find childcare, were forced to bring their young children and teenagers to witness the event.
Witnesses reported an atmosphere of intense fear immediately following the execution. In the days that followed, market transactions plummeted, and the procurement of battery supplies related to the couple’s business became difficult, significantly impacting the local economy.
The authorities reportedly framed the execution as a warning against actions that disrupt economic order. According to reports, the execution occurred shortly after Kim Jong Un’s return from a visit to China.
A source said the case was intended to demonstrate that even slightly exceeding state-approved business boundaries could bring severe punishment. The source also suggested that forcing youth to attend was likely meant to instill fear from an early age.
North Korea has continued to carry out public executions for acts it defines as anti-republic crimes, including distributing outside information, sharing or watching K-pop, and smuggling foreign currency.