Kim Jong-un executes official with anti-aircraft gun for 'sleeping'

A senior North Korean official has been executed with an aircraft cannon as punishment for falling asleep during a meeting with Kim Jong-un.

Ri Yong Jin from North Korea's Ministry of Education was reportedly executed with a military grade anti-aircraft gun, used to puncture tempered steel, South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported.

Former Agriculture Minister, Hwang Min was also killed alongside Ri for undermining Kim's authority.

Since taking control of the communist nation following the death of his father in 2011, Kim has executed dozens of officials, including his uncle and former deputy Jang Song Thaek, Chicago Tribune reports.

Many of the executions were the result of arbitrary charges that included watching South Korean soap operas.

South Korean President, Park Geun-hye, said there has been a rising number of diplomats and officials defecting from North Korea highlighting declining confidence in Kim's ability to rule.