South Korean media is reporting that a senior North Korean official was executed earlier this year for drinking alcohol during the mourning period for Kim Jong-il.

According to intelligence information obtained by South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper, North Korea's vice-minister of the army was among several senior military officers killed by firing squad in January.

The paper says he was put in front of a firing squad after being caught drinking liquor during the mourning period for the country's late leader.

Other generals were also shot, accused of drinking and being involved in sex scandals.

It is being reported that 14 senior party, government and military officials were also purged on the direct orders of new leader Kim Jong-un.