A North Korean fishing boat captain was reportedly publicly executed in mid-October after admitting to listening to the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia(RFA).

According to RFA and the U.S.-based The Hill on Monday, the captain, surnamed Choe, was shot to death in front of 100 people after he admitted to listening to the U.S.-funded news source for more than 15 years.

A North Korean law enforcement official told RFA that Choe, who was in his 40s, was the captain of a fishing boat from Chongjin operating in an area affiliated with the Central Party's Bureau 39. He owned a fleet of 50 boats.

Party officials, the base's administration and security officers were dismissed or discharged for allowing Choe to work at sea.

The official added that Choe was turned into authorities by a crewman after he had become "arrogant and disrespectful" due to his financial success as a captain.