The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday that the funeral service began with a eulogy by premier Pak Tae-song, praising the late senior official's "lifelong dedication" to the reclusive country.
Mourners observed a moment of silence, followed by a gun salute.
The perennial titular head, who had served under the hereditary dynasty from founder Kim Il-sung through his son Kim Jong-il to his grandson and current leader, died at the age of 96 earlier this week from multiple organ failure caused by complications related to cancer.
Despite having no relation to the ruling Kim family, the nonagenarian held the ponderous title of "president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly" from 1998, maintaining his position as the titular head through leadership changes without facing demotion or political purges while playing a key role in foreign affairs until his retirement in 2019.
A handful of South Korean officials who had interacted with him in the past expressed their condolences and sought to pay their respects but were unable to do so, as North Korea did not respond.
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