Pyongyang: North Korea has held a state funeral for former ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam, attended by the North's leader Kim Jong-un, state media reported Thursday. The ceremony for Kim Yong-nam, former president of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, took place at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang's Sinmi-ri the previous day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Yong-nam died Monday at the age of 97 from multiple organ failure while battling colorectal cancer. He served in key diplomatic posts spanning the regimes of state founder Kim Il-sung, former leader Kim Jong-il, and the current leader Kim Jong-un. The North's leader was present at the entrance to the cemetery with key officials when the coffin arrived and paid silent tribute.

In a eulogy, Premier Pak Thae-song praised the late Kim for his dedication to the country. "All the participants prayed for the immortality of the pure soul and revolutionary spirit of Kim Yong-nam, who made a distinguished contribution to laying everlasting foundations for the eternal victory of socialism of our style," the KCNA stated.

In 2018, Kim Yong-nam led a North Korean delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea, which included Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong-un. During the visit, he met with then-President Moon Jae-in. For 21 years during Kim Jong-il's rule, Kim Yong-nam served as chairman of the parliamentary standing committee, a role that effectively made him the head of state in a ceremonial capacity. He retired from public service at the age of 91 in 2019.

South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young extended his condolences on Tuesday following Kim's death. Rep. Park Jie-won of the ruling party also expressed his willingness to visit North Korea to pay tribute in person if permitted by the government. However, there has been no response from the North.