One of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s top aides has disappeared from public life, prompting speculation that he may have been executed.

General Hwang Pyong-so was once at the heart of Kim’s inner circle within the Workers’ Party Central Committee. As a Vice-Marshal he also held the most senior military position after the supreme commander.

Before he reportedly fell out of favour Mr Hwang was one of only four people pictured standing next to Kim in state propaganda vaunting the regime’s sixth nuclear test in September.

But he is since believed to have been expelled from the party amid allegations of bribery and his deputy, Kim Won-hong, banished to prison camp. Mr Hwang has not been seen in public since October 13.

“If Hwang was indeed kicked out of the Workers’ Party, it would practically mean the end of his political career, and possibly his life, though it is unknown whether or not he is still alive,” the South Korean JoongAng Ilbo reported.