North Korea Mourns Longtime Ceremonial Leader Kim Yong Nam at 97

Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's longtime ceremonial head of state and a loyal bureaucrat to the Kim dynasty, has died at the age of 97 from multiple organ failure. He served as president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to 2019, representing North Korea in diplomatic engagements under Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un, including key moments such as the 2018 Winter Olympics and inter-Korean summits. Though holding a prominent public role, real political power remained with the ruling Kim family. Kim Yong Nam was recognized for his steadfast loyalty and diplomatic contributions, surviving political purges and helping maintain North Korea's international relations, especially with China, which expressed deep condolences. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other top officials visited a memorial altar to pay respects, and a state funeral was held. His passing marks the end of an era for North Korea's diplomatic face and highlights the continued consolidation of power by Kim Jong Un's inner circle.