(LEAD) N. Korean military chief fired for 'uncooperative attitude' towards leader: spy agency
SEOUL, July 26 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's former military chief Ri Yong-ho was dismissed earlier this month because of his "uncooperative attitude" towards leader Kim Jong-un's drive to tighten his grip on the North's military, a South Korean lawmaker said Thursday, citing information provided by the South's spy agency.
North Korea announced Ri's dismissal last week in a surprise move that fueled speculation about a possible power struggle in the communist regime. Kim, believed to be in his late 20s, inherited the military-backed regime following the death of his father and longtime leader Kim Jong-il last December.
