Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young extended his condolences over the death of Kim Yong-nam, former titular head of North Korea, acknowledging his contributions to inter-Korean relations. North Korea's state media reported that Kim, the former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, passed away due to multiple organ failure related to cancer. He had been battling colorectal cancer since June of the previous year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung expressed his condolences in a message released on behalf of the government, offering solace to Kim's family and North Korean officials. He highlighted Kim's visit to South Korea during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, which played a role in facilitating inter-Korean dialogue. Chung also mentioned his meetings with Kim in Pyongyang in 2005 and 2018, where they engaged in discussions on peace and inter-Korean relations.
A ministry official stated that the government issued condolences in the minister's name, as direct communication lines with Pyongyang remain closed. Meanwhile, Rep. Park Jie-won of the ruling Democratic Party expressed his condolences on social media and requested government permission to visit North Korea to pay his respects in person. Park, who previously served as chief presidential secretary and was appointed as an envoy to North Korea in 2014, emphasized his desire to serve as an envoy for this purpose.
Kim Yong-nam was a key figure in North Korean diplomacy across several regimes, serving for 21 years as chairman of the parliamentary standing committee, a role that effectively made him the head of state in a titular capacity. His diplomatic efforts were prominent during the rule of Kim Jong-il, where he managed summit diplomacy on behalf of the North Korean leader.
North Korea announced it will hold a state funeral for Kim Yong-nam, with his coffin set to be moved from a funeral facility for burial. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited his bier to express condolences, as reported by state media.