Pyongyang: North Korea's state media reported Tuesday that Kim Yong-nam, the former titular head of the country's parliament and a key figure in Pyongyang's diplomatic efforts for decades, has died at the age of 97. Leader Kim Jong-un expressed deep condolences over his passing earlier in the day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Yong-nam, who served as the chairman of North Korea's rubber-stamp Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, passed away due to multiple organ failure related to cancer-linked poisoning. The news was conveyed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In a rare gesture of respect, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Kim Yong-nam's bier at 1 a.m. on Tuesday. He was accompanied by senior party and government officials, as reported by KCNA, to pay his respects and express condolences.
Kim Yong-nam was notable for his visit to South Korea in 2018 as the head of North Korea's delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. This visit included significant diplomatic interactions.
In honor of his contributions, North Korea's parliamentary standing committee and the cabinet have decided to conduct a state funeral for Kim Yong-nam. His coffin is scheduled to be moved on Wednesday for the final rites. The state funeral committee includes prominent figures such as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Premier Pak Thae-song, and current parliamentary standing committee chairman Choe Ryong-hae.
Kim Yong-nam's diplomatic career spanned several leadership eras, beginning with national founder Kim Il-sung, continuing under the late leader Kim Jong-il, and extending into the current leadership of Kim Jong-un. During Kim Jong-il's regime, Kim Yong-nam managed most of the summit diplomacy, acting as North Korea's face in international forums.
His diplomatic skills were on display in 2018 when he led a North Korean delegation to South Korea, which included Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong-un. During this visit, he held talks with then South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
After six decades of public service, Kim Yong-nam retired in 2019 at the age of 91. The KCNA paid tribute to him, stating, "Comrade Kim Yong-nam, an old-generation revolutionary who left extraordinary achievements in the development history of our party and country, wrapped up his noble life at age of 97."