Kim Yong-nam

ModernPoliticianNorth Korea1928 — ?

North Korean ceremonial head of state for decades.

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Quick Facts

Born

1928

Country

North Korea

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)12

Political (20%)25

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)78

Strategy (15%)37

Total Score42.7

Kim Yong-nam — Complete Timeline

1998 AD

Appointed President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's AssemblyPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Head of StateSupreme People's AssemblyDiplomacy

Impact: national

2007 AD

Visited South Korea for Inter-Korean SummitPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Inter-Korean SummitDiplomacyRoh Moo-hyun

Impact: regionalconstructive

2018 AD

Attended 2018 Winter Olympics Opening CeremonyPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

OlympicsDiplomacyInter-Korean Relations

Impact: regionalconstructive

2019 AD

Retired as President of the PresidiumPolitical Action

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.

RetirementLeadership ChangeChoe Ryong-hae

Impact: national