Kim Yong-nam, North Korea’s Enduring Ceremonial Leader, Dies at 97

Kim Yong-nam, a stalwart figure in North Korea’s government and a rare constant in the country’s tumultuous politics, has passed away at the age of 97. In a nation notorious for its ruthless purges and rapid-fire changes in leadership, Mr. Kim’s remarkable longevity and stability stand out, as he served three successive generations of the country’s dynastic rulers.

For decades, Mr. Kim held a ceremonial position, providing a sense of continuity and tradition in a country where the ruling elite has long been marked by brutal power struggles and sudden, often violent, shifts in leadership. Despite being a fixture in North Korea’s government, Mr. Kim managed to avoid the purges and executions that have become all too common in the country’s politics.

Throughout his long tenure, Mr. Kim worked alongside some of North Korea’s most infamous leaders, including Kim Il-sung, the country’s founding leader, and his son, Kim Jong-il. He continued to play a ceremonial role under Kim Jong-un, the current leader and grandson of Kim Il-sung, who has maintained the family’s grip on power.

Mr. Kim’s passing marks the end of an era in North Korea, where he was viewed as a symbol of stability and tradition in a country often marked by turmoil and upheaval. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring, if carefully managed, presence of a select few who have navigated the treacherous waters of North Korean politics with remarkable success.