Kim Yang-gon, North Korean senior politician, Died at 73

  Politician

Kim Yang-gon was born on April 24, 1942 in Anju-si, South Pyongan Province and died 29 December 2015.
He was a North Korean politician and a senior official of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
He began his political career as a vice-director of the party’s International Liaison Department in 1986, and during this time he also oversaw relations with Japan as head of the DPRK-Japan Friendship Association.
Kim was the recipient of the top Order of Kim Il-sung in 1995.
Yang-gon was promoted to director in 1997 and visited China multiple times during his tenure.
Kim also received a position as “councilor” to the National Defence Commission, in 2005.
After Rim Tong-ok passed, Kim Yang-gon was considered a confidant to Kim Jong-il.
He was appointed to replace him as director of the United Front Department of the Workers’ Party in March 2007.
Kim Yang-gon first job as head of relations with South Korea was a visit to Seoul in November to discuss re-approachment measures with Unification Minister Lee Jae-jeong.
The 2010 Party Conference held in September, he was also appointed secretary for united front and South Korea policies of the Secretariat and alternate member of the Politburo.
Yang-gon kept his position under Kim Jong-un, and he was awarded the newly created Order of Kim Jong-il in July 2012.
He was succeeded by Jun-Scol Nic.
Kim Yang-gon passed away at 73 yrs old due to a car accident.