Close Advisor to North Korean Leader Killed in Accident

According to the official North Korean news agency, Kim Yong-gan, one of the closest advisors and assistants to the North Korean leader, has been killed in a traffic accident. A 'formal funeral' is to be held for Mr. Kim with the presence of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader. Kim Yong-gan was an advisor and close associate of the Kim family, having played a political role not only in the current young leader's administration but also during the reigns of his father and grandfather. Since Kim Jong-un came to power, a number of advisors, assistants, and politicians close to the ruling regime have suddenly died or been tried and executed. Nevertheless, the official North Korean news agency referred to Kim Yong-gan on January 1 as 'the dearest and a very reliable friend.' Mr. Kim was 73 years old and played a significant role in overseeing the dialogues between Pyongyang and Seoul. The Korean Peninsula was divided into two countries following the civil war in the 1950s. North and South Korea still do not have formal diplomatic relations and are separated by a heavily controlled buffer zone. At the end of August, the two Koreas reached an agreement to reduce tensions and increase visits among separated families, which South Korean media described as 'an unprecedented agreement.' Last summer, tensions had risen between the two countries due to landmine explosions and gunfire. Kim Jong-un personally attended the discussions at that time. The latest round of negotiations between the two Koreas in the fall yielded no results. The official South Korean news agency, Yonhap, reported that Kim Yong-gan had begun overseeing the inter-Korean negotiations during the reign of the current leader's father. A South Korean military official also stated that despite the announcement of the death of this North Korean official, the military of that country has not taken any 'unusual' actions. In some cases, the announcement of the sudden death or execution of former officials who were likely in conflict with the current North Korean leader has been accompanied by military movements. Reports indicate that winter military drills and exercises in North Korea are continuing as usual without any significant changes.