Kim Yong Nam Dies at 97; State Funeral Held

Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s longtime diplomat and former ceremonial head of state, died at 97 of multiple organ failure on Nov. 3, state media KCNA reported. He served as president/chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly from 1998 to 2019 and was the regime’s international face, including leading the North Korean delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics and meeting then–South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Though largely a figurehead with real power concentrated in the Kim family, analysts say he retained influence through patronage networks and was notable as the only non-family member to hold the nominal head-of-state post without being purged. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly visited his bier and a state funeral was held. South Korea’s Unification Minister offered condolences.