Former top North Korean military official Ri Yong-ho was dismissed earlier this month for being uncooperative as Kim Jong-un tightened control over the military, the National Intelligence Service revealed Thursday.

According to a lawmaker with a seat on the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, the NIS reported that it has gathered intelligence that Ri was dismissed for his “uncooperative attitude.”

Regarding Kim Jong-un’s aunt Kim Kyong-hui, the NIS reported that she appears to be acting as a psychological pillar for the young North Korean leader, while her husband Jang Song-thaek is providing policy advice.

Kim Kyung-hee is late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s sister and Jang currently serves as the vice chairman of the National Defence Commission.

The South Korean intelligence service also reported that Kim Jong-un appears to have completed assuming power in North Korea, having taken the top post in the government, military and the party.

Kim Jong-un assumed the role of the first chairman of the National Defense Commission and that of the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea in April. Kim’s grip on power in North Korea was further consolidated this month with the 20-something being given the title of marshal to add to that of supreme commander of the military on July 18.

The assessment that Kim Jong-un’s assumption of power in the secluded North appears to have progressed significantly was shared by high-level Seoul officials.

“North Korea’s power structure appears to have settled to a certain degree,” a high-level government official told reporters earlier this week.

“The recent fall of Ri Yong-ho should be seen as there being some friction rather than a serious fight for power.”

The official, however, added that Ri’s removal from power is a significant development and that developments should not be assessed too soon.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)