North Korean Official Kim Yang Gon Killed In Car Accident

North Korea' state media belatedly announced on Tuesday that Kim Yang Gon, North Korea's executive in-charge of South Korea relations, died in a vehicular accident on Dec. 30

The Wall Street Journal reported that the announcement of Kim's death has led to speculation that the official did not die of an accident but was purged. This is the first death of a high ranking official since the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle two years ago. 

Analysts in Seoul allege that Kim's unexpected death added a new uncertainty to the delicate dealings between North Korean and South Korea. The two nations had held working-level talks on Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, but they did not come up with a joint agreement and neither did they set dates for their next meeting.

An obituary by the Workers' Party called the death a loss for the party and the people. According to The Big Story, a new report by the KCNA described Kim Yang Gon as "the leader's 'closest comrade-in-arms and steadfast revolutionary comrade' who had made 'dedicated' efforts to push for unification with South Korea."

The South Korean government paid its respect to Yang Gon by sending a message that stated "[Kim Yang Gon] worked to produce a meaningful agreement during the August inter-Korean meeting".

Kim Yang Gon made a pivotal role in North Korea by authoring some reforms and other achievements while in and out of office. He held talks with Seoul and de-escalated tensions after North Korea was blamed for land mine explosions that injured two South Korean soldiers.

When he was appointed as the head of North Korea's United Front Department in 2007, Kim Yang Gon helped forge a North-South Summit that same year. He later became a party secretary in 2010.

Reports also indicate that North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un led Kim Yang Gon's funeral committee.