Tue Nov 04 01:37:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s ceremonial head of state for two decades and a long-serving loyalist to the Kim dynasty, has died at the age of 97 from multiple organ failure. He held the position of President of the Supreme People’s Assembly from 1998 to 2019, representing North Korea on the world stage and maintaining diplomatic ties, especially with nations independent of major power blocs. While a figurehead, his longevity in the role demonstrated his unwavering allegiance to the ruling Kim family. His career spanned significant historical events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. He was replaced in 2019 by Choe Ryong Hae, a close confidant of Kim Jong Un.

News Article:

North Korea Mourns Death of Long-Serving Figurehead Kim Yong Nam

Seoul, November 4, 2025 – Kim Yong Nam, the former President of the Presidium of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly and a fixture of the country’s political landscape for decades, has died at the age of 97. State media confirmed his death, attributing it to multiple organ failure.

Kim Yong Nam served as North Korea’s ceremonial head of state from 1998 until April 2019. While the true power resided with the Kim family, his role involved representing the nation on the international stage and greeting foreign dignitaries. He was known for his booming voice and propaganda-filled speeches.

Notably, Kim Yong Nam traveled to South Korea in 2018 for the Pyeongchang Olympics alongside Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, in a moment of diplomatic overture. The trip marked the highest-level North Korean visit to the South in several years.

Kim Jong Un visited Kim Yong Nam’s bier to express his condolences. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday.

Kim Yong Nam’s career exemplified a successful North Korean bureaucrat. He joined the ruling Workers’ Party shortly after the Korean War and ascended through the ranks, surviving political purges and serving as foreign minister for 15 years. He was also considered an expert in third-world diplomacy, attending gatherings of nations independent from major power blocs. He was replaced by Choe Ryong Hae in April 2019, a close confidant of Kim Jong Un.

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