Government Expresses Condolences Over Death of North Korea’s Kim Yongnam: "Contributed to Opening Inter-Korean Dialogue"

Government Expresses Condolences Over North Korean Official's Death
Fourth Instance in History

On November 4, the government expressed its condolences under the name of Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung following the news of the death of Kim Yongnam, former President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea.

In his condolence message released that day, Minister Chung stated, "I express my condolences upon hearing the news of former Chairman Kim’s passing." He added, "Former Chairman Kim led the North Korean delegation to the South during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and contributed to opening the door for inter-Korean dialogue. I recall having meaningful conversations with him in Pyongyang in June 2005 and again in September 2018 for the peace of the Korean Peninsula and the development of inter-Korean relations," sharing his personal experience.

Minister Chung said, "I sincerely wish for the deceased to rest in peace and extend my condolences to the bereaved family and North Korean officials."

This marks the fourth time the government has expressed condolences over the death of a North Korean official. The first instance was in October 2005, when then Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung expressed condolences upon the death of Yon Hyongmok, Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission. The following year, in August 2006, then Minister of Unification Lee Jongseok did the same after the death of Rim Tongok, Director of the United Front Department of the Ministry of Labor. Most recently, in December 2015, then Minister of Unification Hong Yongpyo sent an official message of condolence upon the death of Kim Yanggon, Director of the United Front Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

However, as the inter-Korean communication lines are currently completely severed, the Ministry of Unification replaced the official message with a public condolence statement from the Minister instead of sending a traditional message. An official from the Ministry of Unification stated, "We believe our intentions have been sufficiently conveyed." Regarding the inclusion of Minister Chung’s personal experience in the government’s condolence message, the official explained, "The position was coordinated collectively within the government."