Helen Suzman vs Kim Yong-nam

Suzman was elected to the South African Parliament as a member of the Progressive Party, which opposed apartheid. She became the sole parliamentary voice against the government's racial policies for over a decade.

For 13 years, Suzman was the only MP consistently opposing apartheid legislation. She used parliamentary privilege to question ministers, expose abuses, and advocate for the rights of non-white South Africans, often facing hostility from fellow MPs.

Suzman visited Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, becoming one of the few people allowed to see him. She reported on his conditions and helped maintain contact between political prisoners and the outside world.

Suzman was awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize in recognition of her courageous opposition to apartheid. The award highlighted her international reputation as a symbol of resistance to racial oppression.

Suzman retired from Parliament after 36 years of service. By then, the anti-apartheid movement had grown, and she had mentored a new generation of opposition MPs. Her retirement marked the end of an era of lone parliamentary opposition.

Kim Yong-nam was appointed President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in 1998, making him the ceremonial head of state of North Korea. He held this position until 2019, representing the country in diplomatic functions.

Kim Yong-nam led a North Korean delegation to the second inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang in October 2007. He met with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, discussing economic cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Yong-nam attended the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as the head of a high-level North Korean delegation. This was a rare visit by a North Korean official to the South, signaling a temporary thaw in relations.

Kim Yong-nam retired from his position as President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in April 2019, after serving for 21 years. He was replaced by Choe Ryong-hae, marking a generational shift in North Korea's leadership.