North Korea's IOC Member Chang Ung Dies at 87

Chang Ung, North Korea's longtime representative on the International Olympic Committee and a key figure in inter-Korean sports diplomacy, has died at age 87, the IOC announced Wednesday.

The organization learned of Chang's death on Sunday but did not disclose the cause. In a statement on its website, the IOC expressed deep sorrow and noted that the Olympic flag would fly at half-mast for three days at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a mark of respect. North Korea's state media has not acknowledged the passing.

Born in Pyongyang in 1938, Chang began his career as a basketball player, captaining the North Korean national team. After retiring, he transitioned into administration, serving as a vice sports minister, vice chairman of North Korea's National Olympic Committee and vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia. Elected to the IOC in 1996, he became the country's sole member, representing it in international forums and leading efforts to foster sports cooperation with South Korea amid often tense relations.

Chang's diplomacy yielded several historic milestones. He played a pivotal role in negotiations that resulted in the first unified North and South Korean...