South Korea: Politicians mark 15th anniversary of ex-president Kim Dae-jung’s death

Seoul: Leading politicians from rival parties gathered on Sunday to mark the 15th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, a key figure behind South Korea’s democratisation.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, ruling People’s Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and main opposition Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae, as well as other prominent figures attended the ceremony held at the Seoul National Cemetery, where he is buried, Yonhap news agency reported.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and former President Moon Jae-in did not attend the memorial service in person but each sent a wreath of flowers.

“Whether it was the fight against dictatorship or dealing with the IMF’s financial crisis, (Kim) always trusted and served the people,” Woo said in his eulogy. He expressed his deep respect for Kim’s bold leadership, which he said “opened up new paths for South Korea and the Korean Peninsula.” “As inter-Korean relations become increasingly confrontational and peace on the Korean Peninsula is increasingly fragile, I realize how fortunate we are to have a leader like him,” he said. Han, leader of the ruling People’s Power Party, also delivered a eulogy, saying Kim demonstrated foresight that transcended political divisions more than any other politician in the current political arena and that he offered wisdom that is “more relevant today than ever.” A longtime opposition leader and pro-democracy crusader, Kim served from 1998 to 2003 and died in 2009. He is known for his contributions to democracy and efforts to improve ties with North Korea. In 2000, he held the first inter-Korean summit with then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reconcile with Pyongyang. (IANS)