Tearful Kim Jong-un’s ‘bitter grief’ for close aide, reportedly killed in car accident

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a top aide, displaying unusual intimacy towards his “close comrade-in-arms whom nobody can replace”.

Kim Yang-gon, a top party official who oversaw relations with the South, died in a traffic accident on Tuesday, official media said. He was a key confidante to Kim Jong-un. A state funeral was held early Thursday.

Leader Kim has earned a reputation for ruthlessness after having his uncle executed and sacking other high-ranking officials in a purge to consolidate his reign which began in 2011 when he took over following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

Analysts have said that foul play in the death of Kim Yang-gon could not be ruled out, citing possible jealousy among political rivals.

But the tone used in official news reports Thursday was in stark contrast to those announcing past political purges, with Kim Yang-gon described in glowing terms.

North Korea’s state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried a front page picture showing a tearful Kim touching the face of his aide whose remains were laid on a bier decorated with flowers.