Death of Kim dims hopes on rival links

In 2010, he was appointed as a member of the party’s Central Committee and candidate member of the party’s powerful politburo. His title was the head of the United Front Department and took care of North Korean matters regarding South Korea.

Analysts have said that more foul play in the death of Kim Yang-Gon could not be ruled out, citing possible jealousy among political rivals.

The reversals of fortune, along with two similar cases earlier this year, have prompted suggestions the leader may be rolling back a purge.

He served three generations of the Kim dynasty which has ruled the North for more than six decades with an iron fist and no tolerance for dissent. “The one who appointed him head of the United Front Department was Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader”.

An obituary by the Workers’ Party called the death a loss for the party and the people.

South Korean Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo sent condolences Wednesday, according to Hong’s ministry.

The South Korean government is likely to keep an eye on the potential impact Kim’s absence will have on the direction of Pyongyang’s inter-Korean policy. Only a small number of North Korean officials have had extensive dealings with the South. The two highest-ranking officials with recent such experience are Choe Ryong Hae and Hwang Pyong So, both of whom are Party men with military ties.

But some North Korea watchers raised questions about the circumstances of the senior’s official’s death. They then vowed to make efforts to promote inter-Korean civilian exchanges. Kim had the reputation of being a mild and dialogue-seeking figure in the North.

Relations between North and South could be conducted in a more “rigid” manner, the South Korean analyst said, adding that even though Choe could have been reinstated, Kim Yang Gon’s potential replacements do not have the depth and breadth of his experience.

Kim Yang-gon, 73, who was in charge of ties with South Korea and a secretary of the ruling Workers” Party, was described by KCNA as Kim Jong-Un’s “closest comrade’.

Last year, it was widely reported that Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, was executed in a freaky and cruel manner by being fed to a pack of 120 wild, hungry dogs. State media have occasionally reported about deadly traffic accidents involving other top officials without elaborating.