Kim Dae-jung - South Korea's Nelson Mandela Dies
Nobel Laureate, President, Political Prisoner & Reformist Dead at 85
Aug 18, 2009
On August 18th, 2009 South Korea’s former President and only Nobel Laureate, died in relative obscurity at home in Seoul. A mere nine years earlier, Kim Dae-jung brought expectations to human rights victims, prosperity to South Korea and hope for eventual re-unification with relatives in the North.
Due to his personal nature and long struggle, along with his Sunshine Policy and human rights efforts, Kim gained stature as a world humanitarian and the nickname, The Nelson Mandela of Asia.
Nelson Mandela and Kim Dae-jung
In a June 9, 1998 interview, PBS News Hour anchorman Jim Lehrer said to Kim, “A lot of Americans compare you with Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa.” The similarities between Jung and Mandela are many. From humble beginnings to transitioning their nation, both men shared a common dream of equality and peace.
- Humble Beginnings
- Dissident
- Political Prisoner
- Prison Writings
- Assassination Attempts
- Peaceful Transition of Power
- President
- Reunification Policies
- Nobel Peace Prize
- Human Rights Advocate
The military uprising of 1962 (the 5-16 coup d’ etat) saw the birth of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Korean Republics led by coup leader Major General Park Chung-hee. For the next 36 years (Park controlled for 16) conservative presidents would lead South Korea, eroding civil rights, imprisoning dissents, assassinating rivals and instituting dictatorial rule.
Presidency
In 1998 Kim became the 8th individual named President of the Republic of South Korea; but, more significantly his transition was the first peaceful transition of power to the opposition party in the Republic since 1948.
Kim was also the first minority president. Unlike his wealthy predecessors, Kim (Catholic Baptismal name Thomas Moore) was born in the poor, neglected, southern region of Korea called Jeolla. He fully understood the definition of racism and compassion, maintaining it throughout his life. Kwang Tae-kim wrote in an AP article today, “Kim built a reputation as a passionate champion of human rights and democracy….”
Sunshine Policy
On June 13, 2000, Kim stepped onto the tarmac at Pyongyang, North Korea’s airport and embrace DPRK leader Kim Jong-il, ending a doctrine upheld by ruling conservatives for nearly 40 years. Understanding the fruitlessness of previous administration’s policies, Kim withstood the onslaught of criticism. History has shown that from 2000 to 2007, North Korea had become malleable in many areas, not the least of which was the Six Party Talks.
After Kim’s liberal successor Roh Moo-hyun left office and conservative Lee Myung-bak won the election in 2008 promising to "deal with" North Korea, the six party talks ended. North Korea restarted its nuclear program, launched ballistic missiles and once again, became openly aggressive toward the South. Journalist Richard Parry of Times Newspapers wrote on August 18th 2009, “…improvement in relations with the isolated dictatorship were lowered when [North Korea] threatened nuclear attack against South Korean and US forces undertaking a military exercise.”
Nobel Peace Price
On December 10th, 2000 Kim became the first (and last) Korean to win a Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize Organization said Kim won the prize "for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular."
Kim Dae-jung’s life would be considered long and fruitful but it was not without hardship, turmoil and danger. As Kwang wrote, he “…fought against South Korea's military dictatorships and [for]…human rights [in Asia.]” South Korea may have lost an innovative leader today, but the world has lost a great humanitarian and peacemaker.
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