A TOP aide of Kim Jong-un, once described as the “second-most powerful man in North Korea”, has disappeared from public life, sparking speculation he may have been executed by death squads.

The Sun reports that General Hwang Pyong-so once held the most senior military position in the hermit state as a Vice-Marshall after the supreme leader.

But now he has been expelled from the party for “taking bribes” and not been seen since October.

His deputy Kim Wong-hong is said to have been banished to a prison camp.

The South Korean JoongAng Ilbo reported: “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.”

Last week Kim visited Korea’s most mystical mountain, Mount Paektu — something he typically does before ordering the death of his top brass.

He was also there in April 2015, just before executing former defence chief Hyon Yong-chol, and in November 2013, before disposing of his own uncle Jang Song-thaek among other top officials.

“Kim Jong-un is following in his father’s footsteps in visiting the mountain at times of important decisions regarding the state,” a South Korean government insider said to Korea Joongang Daily.

South Korean spooks believe Hwang’s demise was orchestrated by another of Kim’s trusted advisers Choe Ryong Hae.

Hwang has been accused of having an “impure attitude” towards the ruling party, amid allegations of bribery.

Both Hwang and Choe came to South Korea during the Asian Games in 2014 — the highest such visit by North Korean officials to their rival neighbours.

Michael Madden, an expert on North Korean at Washington-based 38 North, said Kim Jong-un has not shied away from punishing leaders who could threaten his grip on power.

“Vice Marshal Hwang Pyong-so could not have continued in the capacity that he was operating in, without it coming back to bite him,” he said.

Choe was subjected to political “re-education” himself two years ago.

According to South Korean officials, he now appears to be gaining more influence since he was promoted in October.

Kim Jong-un embarked on a brutal major purge of senior figures in 2013.

It included his influential uncle Song Thaek, who was executed after a special military tribunal found him guilty of treason.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and is republished here with permission