North Korea held a state funeral for former ceremonial head of state Kim Yong-nam on Wednesday, attended by leader Kim Jong-un. Kim died on Monday at age 97 from multiple organ failure due to colorectal cancer. He served in key diplomatic roles across the regimes of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang's Sinmi-ri, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim Jong-un stood at the cemetery entrance with key officials as the coffin arrived and paid silent tribute. In a eulogy, Premier Pak Thae-song praised the late Kim for his patriotism.
"All the participants prayed for the immortality of the pure soul and revolutionary spirit of Kim Yong Nam, who made a distinguished contribution to laying everlasting foundations for the eternal victory of socialism of our style," KCNA reported.
Kim served as chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee for 21 years starting from the beginning of Kim Jong-il's rule, a titular head-of-state position. He retired in 2019 at age 91 after six decades of public service. In 2018, he led a North Korean delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, including Kim Yo-jong, and met then-President Moon Jae-in.
South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young extended condolences on Tuesday over Kim's death. Ruling party Rep. Park Jie-won expressed intent to visit North Korea for tribute if allowed, but the North has shown no response.
