In comparison with the profound influence of the Ancient Greeks and Romans on Europe and the Western World,

China would
already possess an advanced civilization nearly half a millennia before Japan and Korea. []Succeeding Chinese Dynasties exerted
enormous influence across East Asia culturally, economically, politically and militarily for over two millennia. Cultural and religious
interaction between the Chinese and other regional East Asian dynasties and kingdoms occurred. As Chinese civilization existed for
about 1500 years before other East Asian civilizations emerged into history, China would exert enormous cultural, economic,
technological, and political muscle on its neighbors. The Imperial Chinese tributary system shaped much of East Asia's history for
over 2000 years due to Imperial China's economic and cultural dominance over the region, and thus played a huge role in the
history of East Asia in particular. The transmission of advanced Chinese cultural practices and ways of thinking greatly shaped the
region up until the 19th century.
As East Asia's connections with Europe and the Western world strengthened during the late 19th century, China's power began to
decline. U.S.Commodore Matthew C. Perry would open Japan to Western ways, and the country would expand in earnest after the
1860s. Around the same time, Japan with its rush to modernity transformed itself from an isolated feudal samurai state into East
Asia's first industrialized nation. The modern and powerful Japan would galvanize it's position in the Orient as East Asia's greatest
power with a global mission poised to advance to lead the entire world. [] With its newly found international status, Japan would begin
to inextricably take a more active position in East Asia and leading role in world affairs at large. Flexing its nascent political and
military might, Japan soundly defeated the stagnant Qing Dynasty during the First Sino-Japanese War as well as vanquishing
imperial rival Russia in 1905; the first major military victory in the modern era of an East Asian power over a European one. It's
hegemony was the heart of an empire that would include Taiwanand Korea. During World War II, Japanese expansionism with its
imperialist aspirations through the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere would incorporate Korea, Taiwan, much of eastern
China and Manchuria, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia under its control. After a century of exploitation by Europeans and the
Japanese and colonialists, post-colonial East Asia saw the defeat and occupation of Japan by the victorious Allies as well as the
division of China and Korea in the Cold War. The Korean peninsula became independent but then it was divided into two rival
states, while Taiwan became the main territory of de facto state Republic of China after the latter lost Mainland China to
the People's Republic of China in the Chinese Civil War. During the latter half of the twentieth century, the region would see the post
war economic miracle of Japan, the economic rise of South Korea and Taiwan, and the integration of Mainland China into the global
economy through its entry in the World Trade Organization while enhancing its emerging international status as a potential world
power.
In common usage, the term East Asia typically refers to a region including China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea,
and Taiwan. Broader definitions, such as that used by the World Bank refer to the "three major Northeast Asian economies,
i.e. China, Japan, and South Korea", as well as Mongolia, North Korea, the Russian Far East and Siberia. The Council on Foreign
Relations includes the Russia Far East, Mongolia, and Nepal. The World Bank also acknowledges the roles of sub-national or de
facto states, such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia defines the region as
"China, Japan, the Koreas, Nepal, Mongolia, and eastern regions of the Russian Federation".

Bao Gong- highly admired for his strictness in upholding justice and opposing corruption even when the

wrongdoer is powerful.

Also known as Bao Zheng , Bao Gong was born in April 999 A.D . in the present Feidong Country near Hefei City . A

senior official of the northern Song Dynasty , he eulogized the dynasty in Chinese literary works in many forms

throughout the ages. His black face and a crescent-shaped scar on his forehead has been his trade mark just like

his stance against corruption among the government officials at the time. As a result of his campaign 30 high

officials were dismissed for corruption, bribery or dereliction of duty. Bao Zheng died in 1062.

Ban Chao- Born in 32 A.D., Ban Chao was a highly acclaimed diplomat and military figure of the Han Dynasty.

In 73 A.D ., he led a force of 36 troops to the Western Regions and defeated Xiongnu after which the emperor

appointed him as the Division Commander . His honorable actions in Northern Xiongnu where he defeated all the

kingdoms and finally brought the entire Western Regions under the Han Dynasty , gained him a promotion to the

post of Protector General . Since then Ban Chao was known as General Ban Chao . He spent 31 years fighting

internal unrest and pacifying enemies of the Han Dynasty and also saw to the free flow of goods along the Silk

Road . He died in 102 A.D.

Lin Zexu- an official loyal to the Daoguang Emperor of China, he was the most famous for his active fight against

foreign-imported opium.

Born in August 30, 1785 in the Fujian Province , he was a fearsome diplomat. Sent by the British, he went to

Guangdong to stop the import of opium prior to the First Opium War in 1838 . The Republic of China in Taiwan

celebrates 3 rd June as Anti-Smoking Day, as this was the day when Lin confiscated and burned the crates of

opium.

Guilin (Yangshuo/Longsheng)

Situated in South China, Guilin is like a glittering pearl on a green carpet, the scenery here enjoys the praise of "top landscape in
the world". It is renowned for its Karst landscape, exquisite mountains, wired caves and especially the limpid Li River that runs from
downtown to Yangshuo County, all of which mix together and form a giant elegant Chinese painting. At the same time, you would
not wanna miss the unique beauty of graceful rice fields in Longsheng County.

Li River, Guilin
Jiuzhaigou

Situatied in the east part of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou county owns one of the most famous fairy-land-like spots of the world –
Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is a legendry land that recognized by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage in 1992. Jiuzhaigou County is
also a good place for people to experience unique Tibetan culture and unspoiled local custom.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Highlights:
♦ Called as the living paradise, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area is reputed for its bright green waters, icy waterfalls, colorful forest
(especially in autumn) and pure snow mountains surrounded. It is also home of varied creatures like wild pandas, white-lipped deer.

♦ Huanglong, a World Natural Heritage site, touching Jiuzhaigou, is also famous for its colorful ponds, snowy mountains, deep
valleys, and dense forest. Between 3,145 and 3,578 meters above sea level at the foot of Xuebaoding, the main peak of Mt.
Minshan, lies a 3.6-km-long calcified hill, resembling a giant golden dragon galloping among the virgin forest, and this is how the
mountain was named.
Guilin Highlights:
♦ Li River, is the top ranked attraction in Guilin, which expressed perfectly the inner core of scenery and also the custom of the city -
mild, delicate, genial but also proud. It is said that the river between Yangdi and Xingping (of Yangshuo County) is the most
outstanding section.

♦ Longji Rice Terraces is a very special site that considered the best of its kind, attracted people with its creative layout, well-toned
figure and extraordinary size.

Shangri-la
Shangri-la enjoys the reputation of “Highland Garden” and “Realm of Living Creatures”. Read about the Lost Horizon, we would
know it is a remote peaceful land with transparent sky, snow-covered mountains, dignified monasteries and primary forest. Shangri-
la, the lost paradise, is the place where we can expect a stunning adventure to the nature which beautiful enough to feast our eyes.
Potatso National Park, Shangri-la

Shangri-La Highlights:
♦ Mery Snow Mountain, or Meili Snow Mountain or the Crown Prince of Snow Mountains, is known as the most beautiful snow
mountain of the world. Kawagebo Peak, the main peak, is the highest peak in Yunnan Province and one of the grand four holly
mountains of Tibetan Buddhism.

♦ 22km away from Shangri-la, Potatso National Park is the first national park of mainland China, which consists of two main
attractions – Bitahai Lake and Shuduhu Lake. With well-preserved ecological environment, primary forest, wetlands, deep valleys
and alpine meadow can also be seen in this park.

Bao Gong
Ban Chai
Lin Zexu
Shangri – la
Jiuzhaigou
Guilin
 Hiromichi Shinohara

badassoftheweek.com/
Hiromichi Shinohara is the great WWII pilot ace often referred to as the ‘Red Barron of the Orient’. He took down 58 enemy planes!
Shinohara would fight against the Soviet Air Force over a disputed area after Japan’s invasion of Manchuria. These were large air
battles, with hundreds of planes on both sides dueling in the air.

In only two days of combat Shinohara was able to knock out almost a dozen Soviet planes. On June 27th, 1939, he managed to
blow almost a dozen enemy planes out of the air, in a single day. At one point he was shot down, avoided capture, and returned to
his base to wreak more havoc on the Russians. But sadly, on August 27th Shinohara was out scouting alone when he was
ambushed by a large force of enemy planes. Instead of fleeing, he charged straight into the mass of planes and shot down 5 more
planes before going down himself.

Queen Himiko
 tofugu.com/
Queen Himiko is incredibly awesome because not only was she the first notable woman in Japanese history, she is the first notable
figure in Japanese history! From the year 189, Himiko was the Queen and High Priestess of the Yamatai, the group that would later
go on to reform and create Japan as we know it. At the time, Japan was a system of hundreds of different clans that were seen as
different ‘countries’. Queen Himiko was one of the first to begin unifying them and creating a higher political structure.

She was also very skilled at international relations. She initiated contact with Korea and China. It is thanks largely to these two
nations that we know anything of Queen Himiko. At the time, Japan had yet to begin recording its own history. Himiko would send
several delegations to China and began the relationship that would help Japan to grow and become the nation that we know today.
She ruled for over 50 years in peace.

Jomyo Meishu

Jomyo Meishu belonged to the warrior monks. These were a group of Buddhist priests who were also highly remained warriors and
were a huge thorn in the side of samurai leaders because they stood for the rights of the peasants.

Jomyo Meishu is recognizable because of the fact that he led back an enemy army by himself! On the banks of the Oji river, Jomyo
faced off against an army that was hell-bent on killing him and burning down the shrine he called home. Jomyo and some of the
other monks took apart the bridge that spanned the river so that only a single 2-foot wide board was left. Making it impossible for the
enemy cavalry to cross and run them down.

Jomyo mocked the samurai until they started shooting arrows at him. He managed to evade them all and began to fire back. Legend
says, that with a full quiver of 24 arrows he killed 12 soldiers and injured 11 others. Then he ran across the single board and began
to fight the gathered troops by himself! His naginata (traditional blade) was knocked out of his hands, so he pulled out his knife then
kept fighting. When his knife got lodged in an enemy’s armor, he started punching the heavily armored soldiers. His attack bought
enough time for the other warrior monks to cross and continue the fight. Jomyo miraculously survived the battle .

Shodoshima
Shodoshima has a mild climate and a Mediterranean atmosphere, home to beaches, dramatic coastlines, resorts, and even olive plantations. The
second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima is one of the hosts of the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival, and outdoor
installations from previous festivals can be seen dotted around the island.

Shodoshima Island, Japan

Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com

Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is Japan’s oldest wooden castle, one of only a handful of original castles remaining in the country. Initially built in 1504, it was
expanded to its current form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Nicknamed Karasu-jō (Crow Castle), it’s known for its beautiful black-and-white
three-turreted main keep.

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, tumbling down 133 meters into a rushing river below. The waterfall is overlooked by the
gorgeous Nachi Taisha Shinto shrine, which is said to be more than 1,400 years old. Built in honor of the waterfall’s kami (spirit god), the
shrine is one of several Buddhist and Shinto religious sites found around the waterfall.

Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia with about 1.3 million residents. It’s a fascinating city that combines old and new beautifully. Visitors will
find a vibrant city brimming with modern buildings, shopping, art, a thriving nightlife scene and restaurants; a contemporary contrast to the
timelessness of the country’s vast scenery outside it.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Situated on the borders of Russia and China in western Mongolia, Altai Tavn Bogd National Park features five of the tallest mountain peaks in
the country. From glaciers to lakes to a 10-meter waterfall and archaeological sites that include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petroglyph
Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, the area is rich in natural wonders.

Altai Tavan Bodg National Park, Mongolia

Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Not yet a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, with its 28 temples and incredible surroundings, is on the tentative
list, meaning that it could very well be on its way to being nominated. Nestled in the Ivon Gol River Valley, a verdant, hilly landscape, the natural
theatre around is is nothing short of amazing. In addition to the compound, there are also some lovely sculptures to look out for in the green baize
of the scenery.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Selenge, Mongolia

Bogd Khaan
] article: Mongolia (1911–24)

The Bogd Khan

The new Mongolian government was a fusion of Buddhist theocracy, Qing imperial usages, and 20th century Western political
practices. The Bogd Khaan assumed the same powers—symbolic and real—of Qing emperors in the past. He adopted a reign title,
"Elevated by the Many"; the Mongolian nobility now owed their tribute to him instead of to the Qing emperor; and the Bogd Khaan
assumed the right of conferring upon the lay nobles their ranks and seals of office. This new state also reflected the Mongols' desire
to reshape their country into a modern state—they formed a national parliament composed of two chambers, a government with five
ministries, and a national army.
The Buddhist religious establishment discovered new opportunities for political gain and financial profit. Despite the presence of a
state government, real power lay in the Bogd Khaan's court. The religious establishment appropriated revenues for its own
purposes. For example, it enlarged its financial holdings by transferring to the religious estate (Ikh shav') wealthy herdsmen who
traditionally had owed their services and taxes to lay princes. There is a commonly held misconception that, over time, the greed of
the Buddhist religious establishment so disaffected the lay nobility that it came to reject the very principles of theocracy upon which
the new country had been founded.[3] According to Mongolian and Russian sources, the Mongolian society was generally satisfied
with the theocracy but there were different views on future development of the country.[
On the diplomatic front, the Mongols worked tirelessly between 1912 and 1915 to win international recognition of a new pan-
Mongolian state that would include Inner Mongolia, Western Mongolia, Upper Mongolia, Barga, and Tannu Uriankhai. The Republic
of China, for its part, did all it could to re-establish Chinese sovereignty over the country. Russia refused to support full
independence for Mongolia; nor would it agree to the restoration of Chinese sovereignty. The matter was settled in 1915 by the
tripartite Treaty of Kyakhta (1915), which provided for Mongolian autonomy within the Chinese state and forbade China from
sending troops to Mongolia. Both the Chinese and Mongols found the treaty equally dissatisfying, although for different reasons.
Dogsomyn Bodoo
Dogsomyn Bodoo
Догсомын Бодоо

5th Prime Minister of Mongolia

In office

April 16, 1921 – January 7, 1922

Preceded Dambyn Chagdarjav

by

Succeeded Jalkhanz Khutagt Sodnomyn Damdinbazar

by

Personal details

Born 1 July 1895

Mandshir Hutagt, TövProvince, Mongolia

Died 31 August 1922 (aged 27)

 Khüree

This is a Mongolian name. The given name is Bodoo, and Dogsom is a patronymic, not a family name.

Dogsomyn Bodoo (Mongolian: Догсомын Бодоо; July 1, 1895 – August 31, 1922) was a prominent early 20th century Mongolian
politician who was one of the founding members of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party. He was elected leader of the
provisional revolutionary government and following the Outer Mongolian Revolution of 1921 became the country's first Prime
Minister from July 1921 to January 1922. A power struggle led to his resignation on January 7, 1922. He was subsequently charged
with treason for conspiring to overthrow the government, and was executed on August 31, 1922.[
Bodoo was born in 1895 in Mandshir Hutagt in present-day Töv Province. He obtained his elementary education at the Manjusri
Monastery and then studied at the Mongolian Language and Literature School in Khüree (present-day Ulan Bator). He later became
a scribe at the Shaviyn Yaam (religious affairs office) and then a Mongolian Language teacher at the Russian-Mongolian School for
Translators. He was literate in Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu and Chinese.[ He became the Khüree representative of
the Harbin newspaper Mongolyn Sonin Bichig and, under the pseudonym Bold or Bo, correspondent and editor of Shine
Tol' and Niislel Hüreeniy Sonin Bichig newspapers.

Damdin Sükhbaatar
.

This is a Mongolian name. The given name is Sükhbaatar, and Damdin is a patronymic, not a family
name.

Damdin Sükhbaatar
Дамдины Сүхбаатар

Sükhbaatar in around 1920-1922

Born February 2, 1893

Khuree, Qing Empire
 (now Ulaanbataar, Mongolia)

Died 20 February 1923 (aged 30)

Mongolia

Occupation Military leader, independence

movement

Spouse(s) Yanjmaa Sukhbaatar

Damdinii Sükhbaatar (Mongolian: Дамдины Сүхбаатар; February 2, 1893 – February 20, 1923) was a founding member of
the Mongolian People's Party and leader of the Mongolian partisan army that liberated Khüreeduring the Outer Mongolian
Revolution of 1921. Enshrined as the "Father of Mongolia's Revolution", he is remembered as one of the most important figures in
Mongolia's struggle for independence.

세종대왕 / King Sejong the Great ( 1397-

1450 / R. 1418-1450 )

Sejong the Great was the 4th king of Joseon. He was 21 years old when he ascended to the throne in 1418. He was very respected
and famous for one of his huge achievements. In 1443, King Sejong created Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), which is a document that
describes an original and native script of the Korean language. He showed great Confucianism politics and started our beautiful
national culture. He still remains as one of the great kings throughout history. Therefore, he is still admired and loved by Koreans
today.
 .

허준 / Heo Jun ( 1539-1615 )

Heo Jun was a court physician during the reign of King Seonjo in the Joseon Dynasty. He wrote several medical books, but his
‘Dongui Bogam (동의보감) ‘ is definitely well known and significant as it is the defining text of traditional Korean medicine. Even
today, Heo Jun and his accomplishments are widely recognized by physicians around the world. .

이순신 / Yi Sun-Shin ( 1545-1598 )

Yi Sun-Shin was the Korean commander of the navy and was the Samdo Sugun Tongjesa (삼도수군통제사), which literally meant “Naval Commander
of the Three Provinces” until 1596. He is also very famous for his victories during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 (Imjin War) again in the
Joseon Dynasty. Yi Sun-Shin invented ‘The Turtle Ship ‘ also known as Geobukseon (거북선). It was a type of large ironclad warship. He first used it in
Battle of Dangpo (당포해전) and won many battles against the Japanese navies. Admiral Yi’s commanded as the head of an army in the Battle of
Hansan Island (한산도대첩), which was one of the most important battles of the Imjin War. Korea won the battle and destroyed at least 47 Japanese
 ships. Furthermore, the battle of Hansan Island is considered to be the third largest naval battle in the world’s history along with the Battle of Salamis
and the Battle of Gravelines. Yi Sun-Shin died at the Battle of Noryang (노량해전) on November 19th, 1598, he was wounded by a bullet while he was
fighting against the Japanese who assembled at Noryang. His last words were ” The battle is at its height … do not announce my death.” After, he was
honoured as a Duke of Loyalty and Warfare (충무공), First class Military Order of Merit during the reign of Seonjo (선무일등공신), Prime Minister
(영의정) and the Prince of the Court from Deokpung (덕풍부원군). Yi Sun-Shin is very respected not only by Koreans, but by Japanese admirals as
well for his exemplary conduct on and off the battlefield, and he is still widely considered as a hero among Koreans today.

Gobungun, Changyeong
Gobungun, Changyeong is a green grassy field that has the appearance of many small hills. It is
actually a site of over 180 ancient tombs that date to the fifth and sixth centuries. The majority of
the tombs were built for those of royalty or high governmental status.

Changnyeong-eup, Changnyeong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea

Gyeonbokgung Palace
Established in 1395, Gyeonbokgung Palace houses the Throne Hall, which stands as one of the
most, if not the most, iconic structures of the Joseon Dynasty. It was the center for essential state
affairs as well as storage for ancient Korean royal books that were looted by the French military.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea,

Changgyeonggung Palace
Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace served as the residential palace for
queens and concubines of the Jeoson dynasty. During the Japanese colonial rule, the building
became a zoo and a botanical garden, but later returned to its former refined status.

Changgyeonggung Palace, 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea,

The Worker’s Party Monument:

One arm for farming, one for education and one for industry, this huge monument is walking distance from the Juche Tower. I’m not
quite sure what it is about communism but my God they love a good old massive monument, and they don’t let us down here. Enjoy.
Kim Il Song Square:
The centre of Pyongyang and in fact the entire country. Wall to wall socialist propaganda and after the untimely death of the Dear
Leader Kim Il Song an area for us to pay our respects to him, ahem, right. This is the scene of the numerous mass rallies held every
month and when we hadn’t had permission from our minders to go there I attempted to go anyway. I stopped after he told me I could
be shot. The tributes to Marx and Lenin are pretty interesting too.

Pyongyang Subway:
It literally feels like a time machine, unreal. This was built over 50 years ago and hasn’t been updated since. Green suede seats, old
shiny wooden carriages, marble stations with chandeliers and it’s all in great condition. I might have had a few strange looks
wandering the subways of Pyongyang but it was definitely worth the awkwardness. Oh and I had 4 guards check my camera after
they thought I had taken a photo of an undesirable (read: poor person).
 Kim II-sung
One of the great leaders of North Korea, Kim Il-sung was born in the year 15 April 1912 and is also regarded as the founder of the
country. Little is known about his family background as it's commonly believed that he is one of the eldest of the three brothers of his
family. During his early years, he joined various armed forces thereby becoming a member of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United
Army, which was then a guerrilla group headed by the Communist Party of China. His political stint began when he joined the
Communist Party of China in the year 1931. Kim Il-sung played a significant role during the Korean War. After the formation of North
Korea, Kim Il-sung displayed keen interest in bringing about a radical change in every sphere of North Korean life, hence he
launched a five-year economic plan to establish inspired by the Soviet Union of Russia. Kim initiated and developed the policy of
'Juche' which means self-reliance. Towards the later years of 20th century, Kim outgrew himself to an average person to a popular
political celebrity of the country. His death on 8th July 1994 came as big blow to his countrymen who saw him as no less than a
'father of the nation'. He was the Prime Minister of North Korea from 1948 to 1972 and President from 1972 till his death.

Kim Jong-II
Regarded as the successor of Kim Il-sung, he took over the reigns of the administration of North Korea after his father's death. Kim
Jong-il was born in February 16, 1942. Since his illustrious father spent most of his time in politics, his inclination towards political
field was an obvious choice. He had his earlier education in China and later attended Kim Il-sung University and graduated in 1964.
He is presently serving as the Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army
and General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. In the past few years, his political moves has been constantly watched by the
international media groups which in a way also questioned issues related to his efforts on human rights issue and execution of
nuclear weapon testing.
Jang Song-thaek

This is a Korean name; the family name is Jang.

Jang Song-thaek
장성택
張成澤

Vice Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea

In office

7 June 2010 – 8 December 2013

Serving with

 Kim Yong-chun

 Ri Yong-mu

 O Kuk-ryol
Jang Song-thaek (Korean: [tɕaŋ sʌŋ.tʰɛk]; also romanized as Jang Sung-taek, Chang Sŏng-t'aek and other variations; January or
February 1946[2] – 12 December 2013) was a leading figure in the government of North Korea. He was married to Kim Kyong-hui,
the only daughter of former North Korean supreme leader Kim Il-sung, and the only sister of former North Korean supreme
leader Kim Jong-il. He was also the uncle of Kim Jong-un. All of them were supreme leaders of North Korea.[3][4]
Although the precise extent of Jang Song-thaek's power and position during his life cannot be confirmed, in 2008 South Korean
government officials and academic North Korea experts suggested that he had taken on de factoleadership over North Korea while
Kim Jong-il's health was declining and when Kim subsequently died. [5] Jang was vice-chairman of the National Defence
Commission, a position considered second only to that of the Supreme Leader.[6] He is believed to have been promoted to four-star
general around the time of Kim Jong-il's death as his first appearance in uniform was while visiting Kim lying in state.[7] Jang was
considered a "key policy adviser" to Kim Jong-un.[8]
In December 2013, Jang was abruptly accused of being a counter-revolutionary and was stripped of all his posts and expelled from
the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). His photos were removed from official media and his image digitally removed from photos with
other North Korean leaders.[9] On 13 December, North Korea state media announced he had been executed.[10] There have been
external reports that many members of his family have also been killed. [11][12]

Early life and family

Jang was born in Hamgyŏngbuk-do. He graduated from the Kim Il-sung Senior High School before leaving for Moscow, where he
studied at Moscow State University between 1968 and 1972. Following his return, he married Kim Kyong-hui, the younger (and only)
sister of Kim Jong-il.[3] The couple had a daughter, Jang Kum-song (1977–2006), who lived in Paris as an international student; she
refused an order to return to Pyongyang and then reportedly committed suicide in September 2006, due to Jang and his wife's
opposition to her relationship with her boyfriend. Kim Kyong-hui was reported executed by poison in May 2014 because she
complained about her husband's execution.