North Korean leader Kim Jung Un has executed up to 70 officials since he became head of the east Asian country in 2011, according to South Korea Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se.

Yun, who was addressing a forum on Thursday when he made this revelation, said the actions of 32-year-old Kim Jung Un has affected the lives of many North Koreans abroad and is forcing them to seek asylum in other nations - particularly South Korea.

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According to Korea Times, several high-ranking North Korean officials have been forced to defect to South Korea due to Kim's actions. 

Many critics were shocked after Kim ordered the execution of his uncle in 2013. Jang Sung-taek, who was married to Kim's aunt, was accused of counter-revolutionary acts, including having extra-marital affairs. 

Earlier in the year, critics were also suprised at another high profile execution after Kim ordered his Defence Minister Hyun Yong-chol to be killed for showing insurbodination.According to the BBC, Hyun and another top official were shot with anti-aircraft guns in front of hundreds of spectators. Several other top officials, including ministers, are reported to have been executed under the orders of the young leader.

Yun, who described the number of deaths under the North Korean leader as "extremely unusual" explained that since Kim took office, executions have increased sevenfold as compared to his father's entire tenure. 

Some experts have argued that the high rate of executions under Kim may be stemming from attempts to consolidate his place at the helm of power - given the fact that he ascended office at a young age. While this may explain the hidden motives for the murder of Jang and Hyun, critics say Kim has been known to execute people for somewhat trivial reasons. 

Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that Kim had ordered the excution of a terrapin farmer for failing to keep a set of baby turtles alive. Despite pleas that lack of electricity prevented water from being pumped to the turtles, the execution was carried out. 

Yun has revealed that North Korea would be on top of the agenda when South Korean President Park Geun-hye and U.S. President Barack Obama meet later in the year. He explained that both leaders would review information currently available about the country from various sources and attempt to reach an agreement on how to deal with North Korea.

TagsKim Jung Un, North Korea, Yun Byung Se