Political Giant Dies

Former President Kim Dae-jung died yesterday at 85. He devoted his whole life to Korea’s democracy and human rights and was a giant in Korean politics who overcame many challenges. He was put under house arrest several times, was almost drowned to death, served six years in prison, and was exiled twice. Among Kim`s stellar achievements are a peaceful transition of power, the historic inter-Korean summit in 2000, and winning Korea`s first Nobel Prize. His life mirrored the challenges faced by modern Korean history. His nickname was “indongcho (jonicera japonica thunb),” or a plant that can endure the harsh winter.