North Korean leader Kim Jong Un takes a tour of the second terminal of Sunan International Airport in July. Kim purged the original architect last November. File Photo by Rodong Sinmun/Yonhap

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The North Korean architect purged for his supervision of airport construction last November may have died of a heart attack when summoned, according to a source in China.

Radio Free Asia reported North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had instructed Ma Won Chun to return to Pyongyang after he was forced to live in exile at a rural location in Yanggang province, but the purged official never made it back, according to the source.


"When Ma Won Chun received an order from Kim Jong Un, to 'reassume responsibilities,' he was so shocked that he collapsed and died," the source said.

The source said that while Ma's date of death was unconfirmed, the story was actively circulating among officers. South Korean outlet News 1 reported Seoul could not confirm the death, and other sources said the story could be a ploy to conceal the real cause of Ma's disappearance, such as an execution under Kim's orders.

But Radio Free Asia's source said Ma's expertise may have been needed in Pyongyang, where "large-scale construction projects were in disarray [after Ma's purge] and construction personnel were in agreement about reinstating Ma to his official position."

The source said many construction projects have not progressed in Pyongyang, including a street being built in honor of future scientists and a science hall.

"Many have said no one quite compared to Ma," the source said.

After Ma was purged, North Korea renovated the second terminal of Sunan International Airport. State media has said it is six times the size of the original and includes boutiques and restaurants catering to tourists.

North Korea has executed about 70 officials since Kim Jong Un has assumed power, according to Seoul.