In a statement, Jeong said, "We express our condolences over Kim's death and extend our deepest sympathies to his family on behalf of the government," adding that Kim had led the North Korean delegation to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, contributing to inter-Korean dialogue.
Jeong also recalled meeting him in Pyongyang in June 2005 and September 2018, during which they discussed ways to improve inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
With inter-Korean communication channels currently severed, the ministry opted to release a public statement rather than send a condolence message, according to a ministry official.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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