Jang Song Taek, who held numerous posts in the North Korean regime since the 1970s, was considered the country's second-most  powerful man. Then, the most powerful man, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, had him executed. Jang's death sent ripples through the isolated nation not just because of his influential position, but because he was the uncle of Kim Jong Un. In the two years preceding his death, Jang held one of the most powerful posts -- regent to the young North Korean leader. He was instrumental in the nation's transition from former leader Kim Jong Il to his son and heir, Kim Jong Un.
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Jang Song Taek was considered North Korea's Number 2
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He was executed, North Korea said
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Experts say Jang was an ambitious man whose wings had been clipped before
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His influence came from his marriage into the ruling family
Opinion: How @placeholder got rid of his uncle