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Kim Yong-NamStatesman and political figure of the DPRK
Date of Birth: 04.02.1928
Country:  China |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- Foreign Minister and Head of State
- Other Notable Roles
- Recognition and Awards
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Kim Yong-nam was born on February 4, 1928, in Pyongyang, North Korea, to a civil servant. He received a higher education, graduating from the historical faculty of Tomsk University and later Rostov State University. From 1957 to 1959, he studied at the Academy of Social Sciences under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Political Career
Kim Yong-nam joined the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in 1946. He began his political career in 1946 as a teacher in a rural school. From 1963 to 1967, he served as First Deputy Foreign Minister of North Korea. He rose through the ranks of the WPK, becoming a full member of its Central Committee in 1970 and a member of the Politburo in 1978.
Foreign Minister and Head of State
In 1983, Kim Yong-nam was appointed Foreign Minister of North Korea, a position he held until 1998. He played a key role in North Korea's diplomatic relations and negotiations with other countries. In 1998, he was elected Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), the highest state office in North Korea. He served in this position until 2019.
Other Notable Roles
In 2018, Kim Yong-nam led the North Korean delegation to the XXIII Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He was also a Deputy to the SPA from the 5th to the 13th convocations.
Recognition and Awards
Kim Yong-nam was awarded the Order of the National Flag 1st Class. In 2012, he received the Order of Kim Il-sung together with other officials.
Retirement and Legacy
Kim Yong-nam retired as Chairman of the SPA in 2019 at the age of 91, making him the oldest head of state or government in the world at the time. He left a legacy of service to North Korea, having held high-ranking positions for decades.
