Expressing Deep Sorrow on the Former President Kim Dae-jung’s Demise

Former president Kim Dae-jung passed away. We express deep sorrow on his demise, who dedicated himself to the democratization of the Korean society and reconciliation and cooperation between South Korea and North Korea.

Former president Kim Dae-jung was the right president who was endowed with the determined philosophy and the faith in democracy and peace. He never gave in to the dictatorial regime despite its pressure and force, and protected the nation from the financial crisis.

The international community, as well as Koreans gave recognition to the former president since he devoted his life to democracy and peace in Korea. Koreans were very proud of him. The former president was an honored, respected leader of the Korean society. The demise is overwhelmingly frustrating and heartbreaking because it happened at the moment that Korean democracy was deteriorating and the relationship between South Korea and North Korea has soured.

Today(August 18), we lost our valued former leader. However, we preserve our memories of the former president Kim Dae-jung who devoted himself to peace on the Korean Peninsular and expressed great concern on the deteriorating democracy in the Korean society. We fully engrave his last words “Be an acting conscience” to our hearts.

We again show our deep sorrow on the former president Kim Dae-jung’s demise.