Kim Jong-un Expresses Condolences on Death of Pro-North Former Soviet Defense Minister

Dmitry Yazov Passes Away, Condolences Sent to Bereaved Family

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un paid tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the birthday of his father, National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il (Kwangmyongsong Day, February 16), North Korean media reported on the 16th. The photo, released by Korean Central TV, shows Chairman Kim wearing a long black leather jacket. Photo by Korean Central TV.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un expressed deep condolences on the death of Dmitry Yazov, the last Marshal of the Soviet Union (the highest military rank above General) and former Soviet Defense Minister, according to the North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency on the 27th.

In a condolence message sent to the bereaved family on the 25th, Chairman Kim stated, "I express my deepest condolences upon hearing the sad news that our close comrade and friend, Soviet Marshal Dmitry Timofeyevich Yazov, has passed away after a long illness."

He continued, "Marshal Yazov, having donned the military uniform at a young age, participated in the sacred Patriotic War against the fascist Deutschlan (Germany) invaders and achieved great feats. He was a distinguished military-political figure who devoted his life to strengthening the country's defense capabilities, a true patriot, and a model veteran."

Chairman Kim's high praise and deep condolences for former Minister Yazov appear to stem from a special relationship with Kim Jong Il, the former National Defense Commission Chairman. North Korea treated former Minister Yazov with particular respect since Kim Jong Il's era.

Kim Jong Il personally met him during his visit to Russia in August 2001. Considering this relationship, Kim Jong Un also sent a congratulatory letter and a flower basket to former Minister Yazov on his 90th birthday in 2014 through then Minister of the People's Armed Forces Hyon Yong Chol.

In the condolence message, Chairman Kim emphasized, "Marshal Yazov sincerely respected and admired the great leader of the Korean people, Comrade Kim Jong Il, and greatly contributed to deepening the friendship between the peoples of Choro (North Korea and Russia)."

Chairman Kim added, "Although Marshal Yazov's heart has stopped beating, his achievements will remain forever in the memories of the Russian people and our people."

Meanwhile, Yazov, appointed Soviet Defense Minister in 1987, participated in the conservative coup against President Mikhail Gorbachev's reform policy (Perestroika) in August 1991.

After the coup failed in just three days, he was arrested for treason, and the Soviet Union collapsed in December of the same year.