The passing of Kim Yong-nam, a veteran North Korean diplomat who served as the Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly, has drawn a steady stream of mourners to his memorial hall. The ruling party’s newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Wednesday that visitors continue to pay their respects.
The newspaper stated that on Tuesday, officials from the party, government, military agencies, ministries, and central institutions visited the late Kim’s resting place to express their condolences. Kim was a recipient of the Kim Il Sung Order and the Kim Jong Il Order, as well as a Labor Hero and former Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium.
Describing the somber atmosphere, the report noted that mourners entered the hall with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of a seasoned revolutionary and dedicated statesman. Kim’s legacy includes significant contributions to the revolution’s progress and the nation’s prosperity, embodying unwavering loyalty to the leadership and a spirit of selfless service to the country and its people.
The newspaper added that visitors also expressed heartfelt condolences to Kim’s family.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun and Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Bang were among those who visited the memorial hall to pay their respects.
North Korean media reported that Kim had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since June of last year. He passed away on Monday at the age of 97, reportedly due to multiple organ failure resulting from cancer-related complications.
According to Rodong Sinmun, on Tuesday morning at 1:00 a.m., Chairman Kim Jong Un visited the Sejang Hall in Pyongyang’s Botonggang District where Kim’s body was laid in state. He offered a wreath bearing his name and expressed his deep condolences.