North Korea has confirmed to its overseas missions that Army chief Hyon Yong-chol was executed. It also emerged that several other high-ranking North Korean brass have disappeared since Hyon's execution by FLAK gun.

A source in Beijing said the North Korean regime recently informed embassies in China and elsewhere of Hyon's execution and listed several instances of his "disobedience."

The source suggested there is an element of truth in rumors that Hyon was executed for dozing off during a meeting hosted by leader Kim Jong-un. "Kim believes dozing off or getting distracted in a meeting is worse than opposing his decisions," the source said.

Hyon was reportedly unable to answer a question Kim asked in the meeting because he had been asleep and also disobeyed an order the leader gave, though what the order was is not known.