Events to mark anniversary of Kim Dae-jung’s death

Liberal political circles are holding a series of events to mark the second anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, who they have long hailed for his lifelong devotion to promoting democracy and inter-Korean reconciliation.

Observers said that such a collective move to mark the late liberal leader would help bring opposition forces together ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections next year.

The nation’s first and only Nobel Peace Prize laureate died on Aug. 18, 2009, at the age of 85 after battling pneumonia and other related complications.

On Tuesday, a ceremony to celebrate the publication of a chronological book on his life was held at the National Assembly, officials at the Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library at Seoul’s Yonsei University said.

Many dignitaries and political leaders joined the ceremony to honor the late president. They included Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, former Prime Minister Kim Suk-soo and DP advisor Kwon Roh-kap.

Also liberal presidential hopefuls such as DP Reps. Chung Dong-young and Chung Sye-kyun, and former Welfare Minister Ryu Si-min, leader of the People Participation Party, attended the ceremony.

On Wednesday, the DP and the memorial committee for the late president will jointly host a concert, which will have a series of renowned performers on the stage such as veteran signers Shin Hyung-won and Ahn Chi-hwan.

The official memorial ceremony will be held at Seoul National Cemetery on Thursday. It will be attended by his widow Lee Hee-ho and other relatives, as well as political leaders such as Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the ruling Grand National Party and DP leader Sohn.

The DP also plans to hold a public debate under the title of “Democrat Kim Dae-jung and the future of Korea” on Thursday. The DP’s chapters in Busan, Gwangju and other regions also plan to hold a variety of events to mark the second anniversary of his death.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)