World
Ex-North Korean Ceremonial Head of State Kim Yong Nam is dead
Kim Yong Nam, the former president of the Presidium of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly and the country’s ceremonial head of state for over two decades, has died at the age of 97.
State media outlet Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced on Tuesday that Kim passed away from multiple organ failure.
Kim held the largely symbolic role of head of state from 1998 to 2019, serving under the leadership of Kim Jong Il and later his son, Kim Jong Un.
Although he represented North Korea in diplomatic engagements and official ceremonies abroad, real political authority rested with the country’s supreme leaders.
During his tenure, Kim Yong Nam was known for his role in maintaining North Korea’s diplomatic presence on the global stage, particularly during times of heightened tension and international sanctions.
Kim Jong Un visited his bier “to express deep condolences over his death”, KCNA said.
A photo showed Kim Jong Un, flanked by senior officials, paying his respects before the bier, where the deceased man lay in a glass coffin.
In 2018, Kim Yong Nam led a North Korean delegation to the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea — a rare trip on the peninsula where both countries technically remain at war.
Although he was the head of the delegation, South Korean media widely reported that Kim Yong Nam yielded the seat of honour to Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, during a meeting with South Korean officials.
The gesture sparked speculation that Kim Yong Nam had retained positions in North Korea’s purge-prone political scene for decades by showing deference to the family of the supreme leaders.
Seoul’s unification ministry, which handles its relation with the North, expressed condolences over Kim’s death in a statement.
Minister Chung Dong-young said he engaged in “meaningful discussions on peace on the Korean Peninsula” when he met with Kim in Pyongyang in 2005 and 2018.
Kim’s 2018 visit to the South for the Pyeongchang winter Olympics contributed “in opening the door to inter-Korean dialogue”, Chung added.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
Nigerians, foreign nationals nabbed over illegal mining in Nasarawa
My husband suffering political prosecution – El-Rufai’s wife Asia reports husband’s detention to international community
Kebbi 2027: ADC Guber candidate Abubakar Malami names Musa Zagi as running mate
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
Mary Habila had a boyfriend but was like a daughter to me; before her death, she had a nosebleed, Umahi says
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
BREAKING: Abducted principal, NECO official, students rescued – Kogi Govt
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
BREAKING: Mary Habila’s father petitions IGP, demands release of daughter’s body for burial
He has lost control, has to resign – ADC ask NASS to probe Tinubu’s fitness
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
