North Korean music stars died at age 59
Here are 1 famous musicians from North Korea died at 59:
Gu Yong-ju
Gu Yong-ju (July 17, 1955-April 5, 2015) also known as Young Jo Gu or Gu Yong-Ju was a North Korean personality.
Gu Yong-ju served as the director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army and was a member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. He was also a close confidant of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and served as his secretary for a time. Gu Yong-ju was considered to be one of the most powerful people in North Korea, holding significant influence over the security apparatus and military of the country. However, he fell out of favor with the regime after Kim Jong-un took power in 2011, and he was reportedly executed in 2015 for corruption and other crimes. His downfall was seen as part of Kim Jong-un's efforts to consolidate his power and remove potential threats to his regime.
Gu Yong-ju was born in North Hamgyong Province, attended Kim Il-sung University, and joined the Workers' Party of Korea in 1978. He rose through the ranks of the military and eventually became one of the highest-ranking officials in the Korean People's Army. Aside from his political and military roles, Gu Yong-ju was also involved in the country's economic affairs, serving as the director of several state-run companies. Despite his close ties to Kim Jong-il, there were reports that he had fallen out of favor due to his involvement in corruption and other illegal activities. His execution, along with several other high-ranking officials, was seen as a warning to others who may oppose the new leader, Kim Jong-un. Gu Yong-ju's legacy is mixed, with some praising his contributions to North Korea's military and economy, while others criticize him for his alleged involvement in illegal activities.
Gu Yong-ju was known for his loyalty to the North Korean regime and his fierce dedication to the country's socialist ideology. He was highly respected among the top brass of the military and was considered a hardliner when it came to dealing with North Korea's enemies, particularly the United States and South Korea.
During his time as director of the General Political Bureau, Gu Yong-ju played a key role in shaping North Korea's military strategy and ensuring ideological purity among the armed forces. He was also responsible for maintaining discipline and loyalty among the troops, and was known for his strict enforcement of military regulations.
In addition to his military and political roles, Gu Yong-ju was also involved in cultural affairs, serving as the chairman of the country's official cultural organization. He was a proponent of traditional Korean culture and worked to promote the country's unique artistic and cultural heritage.
Despite his impressive achievements, Gu Yong-ju's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the ruthlessness of the North Korean regime. His execution, along with those of other high-ranking officials, sent shock waves throughout the country and the world, highlighting the precarious nature of power in North Korea.
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