Cheese-loving Kim vanished from public life for a month, sparking all sorts of rumours about thereasons for his absence.
But having quashed the speculation over his rule he has allegedly killed six “minister-level” officials.
A source told South Korea’s JoongAng Daily: “I received reliable intelligence that six minister-level officials were executed.”
Among those feared dead is Sim Chol-ho, the telecommunication minister as well as Ma Won-chun, General Ri Pyong-chol, Chang Ung and Ri Yong-gil.
Kim is no stranger to executing those close to him and last year ordered his own uncle killed before feeding him to dogs.
Jang Song-thaek was put to his death after being convicted of plotting to overthrow the ruthless dictator.
Earlier this month it was claimed North Korea was in the midst of a civil war and that Kim – who rose to power following the death of his father Kim Jong-il – was either dead or in hiding.
Meanwhile North Korea has shut entry to foreigners on tourist trips over fears of the Ebola virus.
Gareth Johnson, who organises trips around the isolated nation for wealthy foreigners, said: “We have just received official news that, as of tomorrow (Friday), tourists from any country, regardless of where they have recently visited, will not be permitted to enter.”
