North Korea has executed five Economic Ministry workers after they criticized leader Kim Jong Un's policies, according to reports, The Daily Mail reported.

The five men, who had been attending a dinner party, had openly discussed the stagnant economy in the country as well as the need for industrial reform there.

It was reported that these employees had also spoken about the need for North Korea to seek foreign cooperation in order to overcome looming trade sanctions, according to DailyNK. 

The outlet said that the heads of the Economic Ministry, as well as Kim Jong Un himself, were told about these comments before authorities launched an internal investigation.  

It is believed that these unsuspecting workers were summoned to a meeting before they were arrested, forced to confess to undermining the regime, and executed.