Kim Yong-nam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kim Yong-nam
|
|
|---|---|
Kim in 2012
|
|
| President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly | |
| In office September 5, 1998 – April 11, 2019 |
|
| Leader | |
| Preceded by | Yang Hyong-sop |
| Succeeded by | Choe Ryong-hae |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office December 1, 1983 – September 5, 1998 |
|
| Premier | Hong Song-nam Kang Song-san Yon Hyong-muk Ri Kun-mo Kang Song-san Ri Jong-ok |
| Preceded by | Ho Dam |
| Succeeded by | Paek Nam-sun |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 4, 1928 Pyongyang, Korea, Empire of Japan |
| Died | November 3, 2025 (aged 97) Pyongyang, North Korea |
| Political party | Workers' Party of Korea |
| Alma mater | Tomsk State University Rostov State University |
| Signature |  |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul |
김영남
|
| Hanja |
金永南
|
| RR | Gim Yeongnam |
| MR | Kim Yŏngnam |
Kim Yong-nam (Hangul: 김영남; February 4, 1928 – November 3, 2025) was an important political leader in North Korea. He served as the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to 2019. This role made him the official representative of North Korea on the world stage. Before that, he was the country's top diplomat, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1983 to 1998. He was also a key member of the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling party.
Contents
Who Was Kim Yong-nam?
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Kim Yong-nam was born in Pyongyang, which is now the capital of North Korea, on February 4, 1928. After finishing university, he began his career as a teacher. He then moved into government work, holding various important positions within the Workers' Party of Korea. He served as a vice-minister and later as a minister in the foreign affairs department. His experience in foreign relations was very valuable. In 1983, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role where he represented North Korea to other countries. During this time, he even helped arrange informal discussions with the United States through their embassies in Beijing.
A Leader on the World Stage
From September 5, 1998, until April 11, 2019, Kim Yong-nam held the position of President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. In this role, he was often seen as the official representative of North Korea. He was known for his intelligence and diplomatic skills. Many people considered him a very important figure in the country's leadership.
Diplomatic Journeys
.jpg)
Kim Yong-nam traveled to many countries as North Korea's representative. He went on friendly visits to nations like Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Singapore in 2007. In 2008, he visited several African countries, including Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. During these trips, he met with leaders and signed agreements, such as one on public health cooperation with Namibia.
He also attended major international events. These included the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 2014 and 2018. He was also present at the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. In 2015, he represented North Korea at the Victory Day parade in Moscow, celebrating the end of World War II. His last known international appearance was in December 2018, when he attended the official ceremony for Andrés Manuel López Obrador as president of Mexico.
Later Years and Passing
Kim Yong-nam retired from his main leadership role on April 11, 2019. He was 91 years old and had served for almost 21 years as President of the SPA Presidium. He had also been a member of the ruling party's main committee for about four decades. Even after retiring from his top position, he still participated in some national events. For example, in 2022, he attended a concert and banquet for the Day of the Foundation of the Republic.
Kim Yong-nam passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 97. He had been receiving medical care for health issues.
See also
In Spanish: Kim Yong-nam para niños
- Politics of North Korea
