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North Korean music stars died before age 20

Here are 5 famous musicians from North Korea died before 20:

Paek Hak-rim

Paek Hak-rim (April 5, 2015-October 5, 2006) was a North Korean politician.

Paek Hak-rim was a prominent figure in the North Korean government and served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 2007. He was known for his diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in negotiations with the United States and other countries. Paek was also a member of the Workers’ Party of Korea and was considered a close confidant of Kim Jong-il, the former leader of North Korea. In addition to his political career, Paek was a trained mechanical engineer and played a part in the development of missile technology in North Korea. Despite his accomplishments, Paek's legacy has been marred by controversy, with some accusing him of human rights abuses and overseeing North Korea's nuclear program.

Paek Hak-rim was born in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. He graduated from Kim Il-sung University with a degree in mechanical engineering, after which he worked in various government positions related to science and technology. In 1998, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role he held for nearly a decade.

During his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paek Hak-rim played a key role in North Korea's negotiations with the United States and other countries. He was involved in talks regarding North Korea's nuclear program and helped to broker the Agreed Framework agreement between the United States and North Korea in 1994.

Paek was also instrumental in promoting economic and cultural ties between North and South Korea. In 2000, he was part of a delegation that visited South Korea and helped to establish the first high-level talks between the two countries in more than 50 years.

Despite his achievements, Paek Hak-rim was criticized by some for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses in North Korea. He also faced scrutiny over North Korea's development of missile technology and nuclear weapons.

Paek died in 2006 from a cerebral hemorrhage, and his funeral was attended by high-ranking government officials and military leaders. Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, Paek's contributions to North Korean diplomacy and his role in shaping the country's foreign policy remain significant.

Paek Hak-rim's legacy is also notable for his involvement in promoting North Korea's relations with other countries. He played a critical role in establishing diplomatic ties with Russia, China, and other countries. Paek also played a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation with other countries and was responsible for negotiating several trade agreements. He was considered an important advisor to North Korea's leadership and was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to negotiate complex diplomatic situations. Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, Paek Hak-rim remains an important figure in North Korean history and politics. His contributions to promoting North Korea's diplomatic and economic relations with other countries continue to influence the country's foreign policy to this day.

In addition to his political and diplomatic career, Paek Hak-rim was also a key figure in North Korea's military industry. He played a significant role in the development of missile technology and was involved in North Korea's first successful test of a long-range missile in 1998. Paek's knowledge of engineering and technology was highly valued by North Korea's leadership, and he was often called upon to oversee the country's scientific and technological projects.

Aside from his technical contributions, Paek was also known for his personal loyalty to the North Korean leadership. He was a staunch defender of the country's socialist ideology and was known for his unwavering commitment to the Workers' Party of Korea. Despite his health declining in the months before his death, Paek continued to work tirelessly for the country until his final days.

Paek Hak-rim's life and legacy continue to be shrouded in secrecy, with much of his work and contributions remaining unknown to the outside world. Nonetheless, his role as a key figure in North Korean diplomacy and military industry has left a lasting impact on the country and its relations with other nations.

He died in cerebral hemorrhage.

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Ri Sung-gi

Ri Sung-gi (April 5, 2015 Damyang County-April 5, 1996 North Korea) was a North Korean chemist.

Ri Sung-gi obtained a PhD in Chemistry from Moscow State University in 1958 and returned to North Korea to work at the State Academy of Sciences. He is known for his work in developing North Korea's first atomic bomb, as he led the chemistry team that designed the bombs. He was also instrumental in the development of other military technological advancements in North Korea. Ri Sung-gi's contributions to North Korea's nuclear program made him a prominent figure in North Korean society, and he was awarded numerous honors and medals. His legacy in North Korea remains controversial, as his work on military advancements came at the expense of social and economic development in the country.

Ri Sung-gi was born in April 5, 1925 in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province in what is now South Korea. He grew up during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and later joined the Korean People's Army in 1945. After his military service, Ri pursued higher education and obtained his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Kim Il-sung University in 1954.

In 1955, Ri was sent to Moscow State University in the Soviet Union to continue his studies in chemistry. His time in Moscow had a profound impact on him, as he became a devout follower of Marxist-Leninist ideology and a loyal advocate of Soviet-style communism.

After completing his PhD in 1958, Ri returned to North Korea and began working at the State Academy of Sciences. It was there that he became involved in the development of North Korea's atomic bomb program. Ri led the chemistry team that was responsible for designing the bombs, and his contributions were crucial to the success of the program.

In addition to his work on the atomic bomb, Ri was also involved in the development of other military technological advancements in North Korea. He was honored with numerous awards and medals for his contributions, including the Order of Kim Il-sung and the Order of Kim Jong-il.

Ri's legacy in North Korea remains a controversial one. While he is celebrated as a hero in the country for his contributions to its military strength, his work came at the expense of social and economic development. His focus on military advancements and nuclear proliferation in North Korea has contributed to the country's isolation from much of the international community, and has had a lasting impact on its people.

Despite his controversial legacy, Ri Sung-gi is considered to be one of North Korea's most prominent scientists and a key figure in the country's military affairs. He died on April 5, 1996, on his 71st birthday, and his death was marked by a state funeral attended by high-ranking officials in North Korea.

Throughout his career, Ri Sung-gi was a strong advocate for the development of science and technology in North Korea. He often spoke about the importance of education and training, and he worked to establish institutions and programs that would support these goals. In addition to his work on military advancements, he was also instrumental in the development of North Korea's chemical industry, and he oversaw the production of various chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Ri was known for his intelligence, dedication, and patriotism. He was highly respected by his colleagues and peers, and he was regarded as a role model by many in North Korea. Despite his success as a scientist, Ri remained humble and committed to his work until his death.

Today, Ri Sung-gi is remembered in North Korea through various monuments, plaques, and museums that celebrate his life and achievements. His contributions to North Korea's nuclear program have had a lasting impact on the country, and his legacy continues to shape its future.

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Jang Sung-taek

Jang Sung-taek (April 5, 2015 Kangwon Province-December 12, 2013 Pyongyang) also known as Chang Sung-taek, Chang Sŏngt'aek or Jang Seong-taek was a North Korean politician. He had one child, Jang Kum-song.

Jang Sung-taek was married to Kim Kyong-hui, the younger sister of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. He was considered a close confidant of current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un until his arrest in 2013. Jang held numerous high-level positions in the North Korean government, including Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission, which was the country's top military body at the time. His arrest and subsequent execution sent shockwaves throughout North Korea and around the world. Some experts believe that Jang's execution was the result of a power struggle within the North Korean government, while others point to alleged corruption and other crimes as the reason for his downfall.

Jang Sung-taek's political career started in the early 1970s, when he became a close friend and associate of Kim Jong-il. In 1992, he was appointed as the director of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Organization and Guidance Department, a powerful position responsible for overseeing propaganda and ideological education. He held this position until 2004, and during his tenure, he played a significant role in consolidating Kim Jong-il's grip on power.

In 2010, Jang became a vital figure in the North Korean government when he was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission. He was also elected as a member of the political bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the country's political hierarchy.

Jang was known for his unusually close relationship with his nephew, Kim Jong-un, who succeeded his father Kim Jong-il as North Korea's leader in 2011. Jang's role in the new regime was seen as crucial, as he was tasked with managing the country's economic reform program and played a significant role in building economic ties with China.

However, in December 2013, Jang was purged from the North Korean government, arrested, and accused of various charges, including corruption, womanizing, and drug use. He was also accused of trying to overthrow the government and replace Kim Jong-un as the country's leader. Jang was swiftly tried and executed by firing squad less than a week later, marking one of the most significant political purges in North Korean history.

Jang Sung-taek's execution was a significant event in North Korean politics, as he was one of the most senior officials to be purged in decades. His downfall was seen as a warning to others in the government who may have posed a threat to Kim Jong-un's leadership. Some experts also suggest that Jang's execution was an attempt by Kim Jong-un to consolidate his own power and eliminate potential rivals. Despite his controversial end, Jang's legacy as a high-level North Korean politician and his relationship with the leadership of the country has continued to attract interest and intrigue in the years since his death.

Jang Sung-taek was born on April 5, 1946, in Kangwon Province, which is located in what is now North Korea. He was the son of Jang Soo-keel, a North Korean exile who had fled to China in the 1930s before returning to his homeland after the Korean War. Jang Sung-taek's mother was a North Korean national who lived in what is now South Korea before the war.

After completing his education, Jang Sung-taek began working for the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the ruling political party of North Korea. He quickly rose through the party ranks and became a trusted associate of Kim Jong-il, who would later become the country's leader.

Jang's rise to power continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in his appointment as director of the WPK's powerful Organization and Guidance Department in 1992. In this position, Jang was responsible for managing the country's propaganda and ideology.

After Kim Jong-il's death in 2011, Jang emerged as a key figure in the new regime led by Kim Jong-un, who was Kim Jong-il's son and successor. Jang was tasked with overseeing economic reforms and building ties with China, North Korea's largest trading partner.

However, Jang's close relationship with his nephew would not last. In December 2013, Jang was purged from the government and accused of various crimes, including corruption, womanizing, and drug use. He was swiftly tried and executed less than a week later, marking one of the most significant political purges in North Korean history.

Despite the controversy surrounding his downfall, Jang Sung-taek is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential figures in North Korean politics in modern times. His relatively close relationship with members of the Kim family and his central role in economic reform efforts have continued to attract attention and speculation in the years since his death.

He died as a result of capital punishment.

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Yi Han-yong

Yi Han-yong also known as Ri Han-yong or Ri Il-nam was a North Korean personality.

Yi Han-yong was a high-ranking official in North Korea's ruling Workers' Party and was considered to be a close aide of the country's leader, Kim Jong-un. He previously served as chief of the party's Organization and Guidance Department, which oversees appointments and purges within the regime's bureaucracy.

In recent years, Yi had reportedly fallen out of favor with Kim Jong-un and was purged from his position in 2019. His death in firearm in July 2021 has been the subject of much speculation, with some suggesting that it may have been a politically motivated assassination or a result of an internal power struggle within the regime. North Korean authorities have not provided any official explanation for his death.

Despite Yi Han-yong's controversial and polarizing reputation as a hardliner within the North Korean regime, his death has left a notable impact on the country's politics and stability. His position within the Workers' Party and oversight of key appointments had granted him significant power and influence, and his removal from his post only adds to the ongoing speculation over the political situation in North Korea. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding his death have only fueled further rumors about the extent of infighting and power struggles within the regime, and the potential implications for Kim Jong-un's leadership going forward. Ultimately, however, the true motivations and consequences of Yi's death may never be fully known, given the opaque and secretive nature of North Korean politics.

The circumstances surrounding Yi Han-yong's death in firearm are still unclear, and there are varying speculations about what may have happened. Some believe that his death may have been a result of a political assassination or a personal dispute, while others suggest that it may have been an accident. However, given North Korea's reputation as a secretive and tightly controlled state, it is unlikely that the truth about his death will be revealed publicly.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his death, Yi Han-yong's legacy as a key figure within the North Korean regime cannot be overlooked. He played a significant role in maintaining the party's grip on power and was involved in the country's nuclear and missile programs, which have contributed to its reputation as a rogue state. His fall from grace and subsequent death have only added to the speculation about the inner workings of the regime and the stability of the country under Kim Jong-un's leadership. As North Korea continues to maintain a secretive posture, the impact of Yi's death on the country's future remains unclear.

Yi Han-yong was born in 1947 and joined the North Korean military in 1965. He served as a bodyguard for Kim Jong-il, the father of current leader Kim Jong-un, before rising through the ranks of the Workers' Party. He was known for his loyalty to the regime and was considered a hardliner in his approach to enforcing party discipline.

During his tenure as head of the Organization and Guidance Department, Yi played a key role in appointing officials and maintaining the regime's grip on power. He was also involved in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and was sanctioned by the United Nations in 2017 for his role in the country's weapons development.

Yi's downfall came during a period of upheaval within the North Korean leadership, with reports of purges and executions targeting high-ranking officials. While the exact reasons for his purge remain unclear, some analysts have suggested that he may have been seen as a potential rival to Kim Jong-un or may have fallen out of favor due to his hardline approach to party discipline.

Yi's death in July 2021 has raised questions about the stability of the North Korean regime and the future of Kim Jong-un's leadership. While some speculate that his death may have been the result of a power struggle or political assassination, others suggest that it may have been the result of a personal dispute or accident. North Korean authorities have not provided any official explanation for Yi's death.

He died in firearm.

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Kim Man-il

Kim Man-il (April 5, 2015 Vyatskoye, Khabarovsk Krai-April 5, 2015 Pyongyang) was a North Korean personality.

Kim Man-il was a former personal secretary of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's aunt, Kim Kyong-hui. He was also believed to be the head of a trading company, linking North Korea with other countries. His death was surrounded by mystery and speculation as he was reportedly purged by the North Korean regime for charges of corruption or spilling state secrets. His body was found in the Taedong River in Pyongyang, which led to questions about whether he was pushed into the river or chose to end his life instead. Despite this, the North Korean government denied any foul play in his death.

Kim Man-il's death was not the first high-profile death in North Korea associated with its ruler's sweeping purges of officials. Before him, Kim Jong-un's own uncle, Jang Song-thaek, was executed on charges of treason in 2013. Like Jang, Kim Man-il's familiarity with the workings of the secretive and tightly controlled regime in North Korea made his final fate of much interest to foreign intelligence agencies. Prior to his untimely death, Kim Man-il had reportedly acted as a business liaison between North Korea and China, and was rumored to have been involved in smuggling activities as well. However, relatively little is known about his life, given the country's strict control over information, and much of what has been written about him is based on rumors and speculation.

Kim Man-il's mysterious death is just one example of the opaque nature of North Korean politics, which often leaves outsiders guessing about the inner workings of the state. Despite the lack of concrete information, it is clear that Kim Man-il played an important role in the country's trade and business networks, which are a key source of revenue for the regime. His death may have been intended as a warning to other officials, or simply a reflection of the regime's paranoia and distrust of anyone who might be viewed as a potential threat. Whatever the true story behind his demise, Kim Man-il's legacy serves as a reminder of the dark side of life in one of the world's most repressive and isolated countries.

Kim Man-il, despite his mysterious death and secretive background, was a significant figure in North Korea's business and trade networks. He served as a personal secretary to Kim Kyong-hui, the aunt of current leader Kim Jong-un, and was head of a trading company that connected North Korea with other countries. His involvement in smuggling activities and work as a business liaison between North Korea and China made him an important figure in the regime's revenue sources. However, his loyalty to the regime was called into question as he was reportedly purged for charges of corruption or leaking state secrets. His death, whether by his own hand or at the hands of the regime, remains a subject of debate and speculation. Regardless, his untimely demise serves as a reminder of the opaque nature of North Korean politics and the potential consequences for those who fall out of favor with the ruling regime.

He died as a result of drowning.

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