North Korea says former ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam dies

North Korea's Kim Yong Nam, a prominent figure outside the ruling Kim family, passed away at 97. Known as the ceremonial head of state for over 20 years, he served under three modern leaders and held key positions in the foreign ministry since the 1950s. Despite his symbolic role, he was a crucial figure in North Korean diplomacy, representing the country abroad and attending major state events. His quiet influence and connections with diplomats and foreign service workers earned him a rare distinction of never being purged. His legacy lives on, including his visit to South Korea during the 2018 Winter Olympics, signaling a brief thaw in relations. North Korea plans a state funeral to honor his long service, marking the end of an era in North Korean diplomacy. The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.