North Korea – North Korean state media announced the death of Kim Yong-nam, the country’s former honorary president and one of its most prominent political and diplomatic figures for decades.
Kim Yong-nam served for many years as chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, a largely ceremonial position. He was known as the regime’s diplomatic face abroad and was the architect of Pyongyang’s relations with numerous countries.
Throughout his career, Kim Yong-nam accompanied the late leader Kim Jong-il and continued to perform his duties under the current leader Kim Jong-un. He stepped down in 2019 after more than two decades of public service.
His death marks the end of an era of cautious and resolute North Korean diplomacy. He played a pivotal role in representing his country on the international stage and was one of the regime’s most prominent figures who sought to maintain its external image amidst ongoing sanctions and tensions.
