Kim Jong Un had terrapin farm manager executed, says source

SEOUL, July 6 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un may have executed the manager of a terrapin farm the North Korean leader visited in May, according to a source in Pyongyang.

The terrapin farm had made headlines after May 19, when Kim expressed his displeasure regarding its operation. South Korean news outlet Daily NK reported Kim might have executed the farm manager for not supplying sufficient water to aquarium tanks.

According to the news source, Kim Jong Un ordered the execution of the manager after providing field guidance at the Taedonggang terrapin farm.

"Food and water for the turtles were not being supplied sufficiently, that was the reason for execution by gun," the source said.

South Korean news outlet Newsis reported North Korea's charges of incompetence ignored the real reason for the supply issues.

Power outages were common at the farm, said the source, and the farm was not provided with adequate amounts of food for the turtles.

Kim Jong Un had ordered the execution to make an example of the manager – and to reinforce North Korea's politics of fear, according to South Korea press.

During his visit in May, Kim reportedly reprimanded the farm's management and said the managers were ruining the North Korean leader's mission and the farm could not resume normal production levels.

"Ten million loyal citizens and military personnel are tirelessly preparing gifts for the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party, by night and by day. I don't know what this farm is planning for the celebrations in October," Kim had said.

Daily NK's source said the execution of the manager follows an ongoing trend in North Korea.

Subordinates at the turtle farm who wished to display their ultimate loyalty to Kim might have facilitated the death of the manager, said the source.