North Korean leader's uncle Jang Song-thaek has been removed from power, South Korea's spy agency said Tuesday, December 3, according to Yonhap.

The National Intelligence Agency made the assessment based on information that two of Jang's closest confidants were executed in public. It added that after this incident, Jang has not been seen in public.

"This is an indication that Jang has been dismissed, although it is not known why he fell out of favor," said the NIS source, who declined to be identified. He added that the North's military establishment has been informed of the executions.

Jang is the husband of Kim Kyong-hui, who is the aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He has been widely regarded as the most influential figure in North Korea after the leader, and played a role in Kim securing power after the sudden death of his father Kim Jong-il in late 2011.