Overview
- State media KCNA said Kim Yong Nam died Monday from multiorgan failure at age 97, with one report attributing it to colorectal cancer.
- KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un visited Kim Yong Nam’s coffin to offer condolences.
- A state funeral is expected this week, though reports differ on whether it will be held Wednesday or Thursday.
- Kim Yong Nam served as president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly from 1998 to 2019, a role that functions as North Korea’s nominal head of state.
- His decades-long career included about 15 years as foreign minister and high-profile representation abroad, notably leading the delegation to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.