Politicians call for unity on death anniv. of ex-President Kim Dae-jung

Seoul marked the 17th anniversary of former President Kim Dae-jung's passing on Tuesday, with key politicians from rival parties calling for national unity. Attendees included National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik and Kim Min-seok, the newly elected leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP). At the Seoul National Cemetery, where Kim is buried, a ceremony honored his legacy and his commitment to democracy.

Cho emphasized that the National Assembly would uphold Kim's spirit of unity and pragmatism, striving to strengthen democracy, protect people's livelihoods, and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kim, who recently took on the role of DP chief, paid respects to his predecessor before delivering a speech that urged bipartisan efforts to learn from and honor Kim's democratic values.

The late president, a prominent opposition leader and pro-democracy advocate, served as president from 1998 to 2003 before passing away in 2009. Known for his role in facilitating the first inter-Korean summit with North Korea in 2000 and winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote democracy and reconciliation, Kim's contributions remain a guiding light for the nation.