Description:
(Former Foreign Minister) Kang Sok-ju was a prominent North Korean diplomat and politician highly regarded for his expertise in managing the country's relations with the United States. Throughout his career, he held key roles within the Korean Workers' Party and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably serving as First Vice Foreign Minister for an extended period. Kang played a pivotal part in negotiating the Agreed Framework with the United States in 1994 and was subsequently elevated to the position of Vice Premier in charge of foreign policy for the North Korean Government. Known as a trusted confidant of leader Kim Jong-il, Kang made significant contributions to shaping North Korea's diplomatic strategies.