The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) provided no further details Wednesday on the death of Kim Yang Gon, 73, who was a veteran of negotiations with South Korea since the era of former leader Kim Jong Il.
Kim Yang Gon played a prominent role in talks to defuse tensions between the two sides after an exchange of artillery fire in August. He was the head of the United Front Department, the main agency responsible for dealings with South Korea.
"He was surely trusted by the Kim family," said Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, CNN reported. "The one who appointed him head of the United Front Department was Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader. And what we knew was that he was really close to young Kim Jong Un."
KCNA characterized Kim Yang Gon as a "closest comrade-in-arms and steadfast revolutionary comrade." The ruling party accorded him a state funeral organized by top government officials.
The South Korean government said it had sent a letter of condolences Wednesday to North Korea regarding Kim Yang Gon's death.