Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s former ceremonial head of state who loyally served under three generations of the Kim dynasty, has died at the age of 97. His death was announced by state media, marking the end of a long career that saw him survive numerous political shifts in the isolated nation.
Kim Yong Nam passed away on November 3, 2025, due to multiple organ failure, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited his bier to express condolences, and a state funeral has been arranged, underscoring the significance of his role in the regime. The announcement came within the last 24 hours, with multiple reliable sources confirming the news.
He held the position of president of the Supreme People’s Assembly from 1998 to 2019, serving as the country’s nominal head of state while real power remained firmly with the Kim family. Throughout his tenure, he was a constant presence in North Korea’s political landscape, often representing the nation in diplomatic engagements and key state events. His role was largely ceremonial, but he played a crucial part in maintaining the appearance of governmental stability.
His career spanned the rules of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un, making him a rare fixture in a system known for frequent purges and executions. He served as foreign minister for 15 years starting in 1983 and was appointed to the Politburo in 1978, navigating major global changes like the collapse of the Soviet Union without losing his position. This longevity was exceptional, as many high-ranking officials were removed or eliminated for perceived disloyalty.
In 2018, Kim Yong Nam led a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, alongside Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s influential sister. This visit was part of a brief period of improved inter-Korean relations, and he met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, highlighting his role as a diplomatic face for Pyongyang. Despite sitting near then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, no direct contact was reported, reflecting the delicate nature of cross-border interactions.
Born in 1928 during Japanese colonial rule, Kim Yong Nam studied at Kim Il Sung University and Moscow State University before beginning his political career in the 1950s. He was known for his deep, booming voice in propaganda speeches and his unwavering adherence to the party line, which helped him avoid the fate of many purged officials. Defectors described him as mild-mannered but staunch in following directives, never expressing personal opinions.
His survival in North Korean politics is attributed to his loyalty and lack of personal ambition, as noted by observers like former diplomat Thae Yong Ho. Unlike others, such as his uncle Chang Song Thaek who was executed in 2013, Kim Yong Nam maintained a clean reputation and avoided alliances or enemies, making him a model bureaucrat in the authoritarian state. He retired in 2019 and was replaced by a close confidant of Kim Jong Un.
With his death, North Korea loses one of its last links to the early days of the regime, symbolizing the end of an era. The funeral and official reactions may provide insights into how the country honors its old guard, but it is unlikely to alter the current power structure under Kim Jong Un. South Korea’s Unification Minister offered condolences, recalling meaningful conversations about peace, yet the event underscores the challenges of diplomacy with the isolated nation.