• Kim Yong Nam, former head of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, dies at 97.
• Known for his ceremonial role, he served under all three Kim family leaders.
• His death has prompted condolences from North Korean officials and the Chinese government.

Kim Yong Nam, the former ceremonial head of state of North Korea, has passed away at the age of 97. According to state media, he died on November 3 of multiple organ failure. Kim Yong Nam served as the chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 until his retirement in 2019 and was known for his loyalty to the ruling Kim family, contributing to his prominence in North Korean politics throughout his lengthy career, according to Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Kim Yong Nam’s bier to express deep condolences following his death, reflecting the late official’s significant standing in the regime despite his largely ceremonial duties. Kim Yong Nam was often described as a representation of North Korea on the international stage and was a vital diplomatic figure, particularly noted for participating in high-profile summits and meetings, according to BBC and Reuters.

In an expression of their historical ties, Chinese officials extended "deep condolences" over Kim Yong Nam's passing, acknowledging his role in fostering friendly relations between China and North Korea. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated that Kim contributed significantly to the cooperative relations between the two neighboring countries, according to Reuters.

Throughout his career, Kim Yong Nam remained a key figure in North Korean diplomacy, maintaining connections through patronage that allowed him to navigate the regime's often treacherous political landscape. His longevity in the political sphere was notable; he survived various leadership changes and political purges, a rarity among North Korean officials, as noted by experts analyzing North Korea's political framework, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.