A provincial cadre was recently demoted for drinking, "debauchery," and breaching the country's strict coronavirus prevention rules, North Korean state media said, in a highly unusual report that could hint at a broader anti-corruption drive by Pyongyang.

In an article titled "Let's find a lesson from the complacent, idle, and privilege-seeking acts among Chonnae County officials," ruling party daily the Rodong Sinmun reported Saturday that one cadre -- who was not named -- had been "expelled from the party."