DHAKA: South Korea`s president has warned that ties with the communist North could become more unstable following the removal of a major powerbroker.

President Park Geun-hye said the North was "carrying out a reign of terror", after news of the purge of Chang Song-thaek, uncle of leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korea confirmed on Monday that Mr Chang was stripped off official posts.

The move has been seen as the biggest shake-up in Pyongyang since the death of leader Kim Jong-il in December 2011.

"North Korea is currently carrying out a reign of terror, undertaking a large-scale purge in order to strengthen Kim Jong-un`s power," Ms Park said during a cabinet meeting.

"From now on, South-North Korea relations may become more unstable."

Mr Chang, who is married to Kim Jong-il`s sister, was seen as a powerful figure guiding the administration of Kim Jong-un.

But on Monday, North Korean state media confirmed South Korean reports that he had fallen from grace, accusing him of forming factions against the state, corruption and "depraved" acts such as womanising and drug abuse.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0228 HRS, DEC 11, 2013