The ex-girlfriend of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who was thought to have been executed by firing squad last year has appeared back on state television smiling and talking.

In what is a miraculous turn of events, singer Hyon Song-wyol seems to have come back from the dead after being interviewed during a state broadcast.

Last year, reports from newspapers in neighbouring South Korea reported that Hyon had been one of a group of musicians arrested and then machine gunned down after charges of pornography were brought against her.

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According to the reports, the singer, along with band members of the Unhasu Orchestra, the Wangjaesan Light Music Band and the Moranbong Band were accused of filming themselves having sex with one another and then selling the recordings.

Up until now, Hyon was thought to have been dead for almost a year.

This was corroborated by the South Korean intelligence chief, Nam Jae-Joon, who said in October that he was aware of an execution.

However, Hyon was seen recently on North Korean television, praising her leader for his work to help the arts sector in the country.

North Korea has always denied the reports calling them “unpardonable”, saying the rumours were the work of “psychopaths” in the South Korean government.

Shape Created with Sketch. In pictures: Kim Jong-un on tour Show all 7 left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. In pictures: Kim Jong-un on tour 1/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un inspecting an aquarium as he visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp in Kangwon province AFP 2/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un inspecting the newly built athletic field as he visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp AFP 3/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un smiling broadly along with other officials during his visit to a youth camping site in Wonsan on the southeastern coast in North Korea EPA 4/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp, as its remodelling project nears completion Reuters 5/7 North Korea Kim Jong Un visits a swimming pool complex at the Songdowon International Children's Camp Reuters 6/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters 7/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the Masik Pass Hotel, ski service and lodging buildings and rest areas in the skiing courses of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in Kangwon province Getty Images 1/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un inspecting an aquarium as he visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp in Kangwon province AFP 2/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un inspecting the newly built athletic field as he visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp AFP 3/7 North Korea Kim Jong-un smiling broadly along with other officials during his visit to a youth camping site in Wonsan on the southeastern coast in North Korea EPA 4/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits the Songdowon International Children's Camp, as its remodelling project nears completion Reuters 5/7 North Korea Kim Jong Un visits a swimming pool complex at the Songdowon International Children's Camp Reuters 6/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters 7/7 North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the Masik Pass Hotel, ski service and lodging buildings and rest areas in the skiing courses of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in Kangwon province Getty Images

The singer was a big star in Korea before she went missing from the public eye last year, with big patriotic hits such as "The Footsteps of Soldiers", "I Love Pyongyang" and her biggest hit "Excellent Horse Like Lady" part of her repertoire.

During this popularity she is said to have had a relationship with the now North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after they met nearly a decade ago.

However, the then leader and father of Jong-un, Kim Jong-il reportedly disapproved of the relationship and forced his son to end it.

Hyon was then said to have married an army officer to whom she had a baby.