Before falling out with Kim, Jang was considered the second-most powerful man in North Korea.
Married to the sister of Kim's father, Kim Jong-il, Jang had been considered the man who could help his nephew establish himself in power but at the same time presented the greatest threat to the young and untested leader.
Jang's widow, Kim Kyong-hui, was thought to have survived the purge, but was later reported to have either died of a heart attack or taken her own life.
