CCTV9英语新闻12月：张成泽被解雇（在线收听）

China and South Korea have both responded to the dismissal of DPRK's senior official, Jang Song Thaek. China’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday the sacking was the internal affairs of the DPRK, adding it hoped the country would maintain national stability, economic development, as well as the welfare of its people. Meanwhile, South Korean authorities said they were keeping a close watch on the move.

"Jang Song Thaek’s removal from power appears to be officially confirmed. It is a little difficult for us to make specific predictions regarding the future from here. Keeping in mind a variety of possibilities, I will answer by saying that we are closely observing the DPRK’s internal movements, foreign relations, and such other factors." said Kim Eui-Do, Spokesman, South Korean Unification Ministry.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it was also keeping an eye for possible military exercises, as the DPRK is known to conduct drills during winter. Various media sources in South Korea say there might also be changes on personnel assignment within the DPRK's government and in terms of official policy. DPRK state media reported on Monday that Jang Song Thaek, the uncle of leader Kim Jong Un, was dismissed for trying to form his own faction within the ruling party.