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(Image: GETTY)

Kim Ok has been imprisoned, along with her whole family, in North Korea's concentration camp system, according to reports.

She got together with Kim Jong-il, the current leader's dad, after his previous wife – Kim Jong-un's mum – died in August 2004.

Now in an attempt to punish her for the arrogant attitude of her younger brother, Kim Kyun, she and her family have been rounded up and purged.

(Image: YONHAP NEWS)

The news was revealed by a Chinese businessman recently returned from Pyongyang, who told Radio Free Asia he'd heard it from a senior North Korean official.

Another source told the station that the widow was bound to be purged, given that Kim Jong-il had done the same to his stepmum on assuming power.

Kim Jong-un had no reason to protect her and may have disliked her for taking his mother's place, the source said.

He has already executed his own uncle Jang Sung-taek after arresting him for treachery to the state.

Since launching a nuclear test in January, North Korea has been locked in a tense standoff with America and its southern neighbour.

The crisis has escalated in recent weeks, with the US personally sanctioning Kim Jong-un for human rights violations.

America then deployed its THAAD nuclear shield in South Korea, fearing Kim will attempt at apocalyptic strike.

Now North Korea has closed its last line of communication with the US, pledging all dialogue will now be on a war footing.

(Image: GETTY)

And according to North Korea's European delegate Alejandro Cao de Benos, Kim is deadly serious about war with America and can strike at any moment.

Kim Ok studied piano at Pyongyang University of Music and Dance before becoming the late leader's secretary in 1980.

Her brother, Kim Kyun, abruptly resigned as vice-president of Kim Il-sung university in October 2013.

The Chinese businessman told RFA: "Kim Kyun acted high-handedly and tyrannically as his sister was Kim Jong-il's favourite after Kim Jong-un's mother, Ko Yong-hui, died in 2004."