Is ruthless Kim Jong-un getting soft? North Korea’s former No.2 resurfaces after purge and ‘re-education’

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's one-time right-hand man was Wednesday confirmed to have made a comeback to Pyongyang's inner circle, after reportedly being purged and sent to a farm for “re-education”.

Analysts said the reversal of fortune for Choe Ryong-hae is the latest in a series, and indicate the young leader may be taking a softer line after earning a reputation for ruthlessness with the elimination of high-ranking officials including his uncle.

“The series of reinstatements of key officials this year suggests Kim Jong-un might be backtracking on his reign of terror”, said Cheong Seong-chang, senior researcher at the Sejong Institute in Seoul.

Choe’s reinstatement was revealed when North Korea announced a state funeral committee for Kim Yang-gon, a senior official who died in a traffic accident on Tuesday.

His name was listed sixth, after Kim’s and four other senior party officials.

Choe, a vice marshal who was once considered number-two in the Stalinist state next to Kim himself, was purged last month and sent to a farm for “re-education”, according to South Korea’s spy agency.