Pyongyang, North Korea – The death of Kim Ki Nam, former propaganda master in North Korea, marks the end of an era in the country’s history. At the age of 94, Kim Ki Nam passed away after battling “multiple organ dysfunction” following years of treatment since 2022. Known for his role in building a personality cult around the ruling Kim dynasty, Kim Ki Nam’s passing has drawn attention to his influence on shaping North Korea’s messaging for decades.
Kim Ki Nam’s close ties to the Kim family were evident as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended his funeral, honoring the “veteran revolutionary who had remained boundlessly loyal” to the regime. His legacy in leading propaganda efforts in the totalitarian state, including establishing Kim Il Sung and supporting Kim Jong Il’s succession, has left a lasting impact on North Korea’s political culture.
Despite having no blood relation to the ruling patriarchy, Kim Ki Nam played a pivotal role in the state’s information control, reinforcing the regime’s narrative and maintaining a grip on communication channels. His tenure as deputy director of Pyongyang’s Propaganda and Agitation Department and later as its leader solidified his position as a key figure in North Korea’s propaganda machine.
Renowned for his close relationship with Kim Jong Il and being described as a “drinking buddy,” Kim Ki Nam’s influence extended beyond propaganda, shaping the country’s historical narrative and supporting the Kim dynasty’s succession. His retirement in the late 2010s marked a transition in North Korean propaganda leadership, as he passed on his role to Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong.
Experts point to Kim Ki Nam’s death as a turning point in North Korean propaganda, marking the end of an era where pan-Korean nationalism was emphasized. The shift towards demonizing South Koreans and relying heavily on nuclear weapons for political legitimacy under Kim Jong Un’s leadership signifies a departure from Kim Ki Nam’s approach to glorifying the Pyongyang regime.
As North Korea grapples with the loss of a key propaganda figure, the legacy of Kim Ki Nam remains a significant part of the country’s political history. The impact of his influence on shaping North Korea’s messaging and reinforcing the ruling Kim dynasty’s power structure is a testament to his enduring role in the state’s propaganda apparatus.