Pyongyang: North Korea's state media reported Tuesday that Kim Yong-nam, the former titular head of state and a significant figure in Pyongyang's diplomatic efforts for decades, has died at the age of 97. The state's leader, Kim Jong-un, expressed his condolences over Kim Yong-nam's death earlier in the day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Yong-nam, who had served as the chairman of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, passed away from multiple organ failure related to cancer-linked poisoning. He had been battling colorectal cancer since June of the previous year. Kim Jong-un visited Kim Yong-nam's bier at 1 a.m. on Tuesday to express his condolences, accompanied by senior party and government officials.
Kim Yong-nam was known internationally for his role as the head of North Korea's delegation to the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in South Korea. In a mark of respect, North Korea's parliamentary standing committee and the cabinet decided to hold a state funeral for him on Tuesday, with his coffin set to be laid to rest the following day. The state funeral committee includes Kim Jong-un, Premier Pak Thae-song, and current parliamentary standing committee chairman Choe Ryong-hae, among others.
Following the announcement of his death, South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young extended his condolences, acknowledging Kim Yong-nam's contributions to inter-Korean relations. Chung emphasized that Kim's visit to South Korea during the 2018 Winter Olympics helped facilitate dialogue between the two Koreas. The South Korean government conveyed its condolences through a message from the minister, as direct communication lines with Pyongyang remain closed.
Kim Yong-nam's life was marked by significant diplomatic service. Born into a family recognized for their anti-Japanese patriotism, he studied at Kim Il Sung University and in Moscow before embarking on a career in public service. He served in prominent diplomatic roles under the regimes of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung, the late leader Kim Jong-il, and current leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Yong-nam notably served as foreign minister under Kim Il-sung and later as chairman of the parliamentary standing committee, effectively acting as North Korea's representative on the international stage during Kim Jong-il's rule.
Kim Yong-nam retired from public service in 2019 at the age of 91, concluding a six-decade career. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who was instrumental in shaping North Korea's diplomatic landscape. The Korean Central News Agency described him as an "old-generation revolutionary" who significantly contributed to the development of North Korea's party and country.