South Korea`s ex-first lady arrives in N. Korea

Lee Hee-ho, the widow of former President Kim Dae-jung, arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday on Eastar Jet`s Flight ZE815.

An official at the airline company said that the number 815 was used to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea`s liberation from Japan`s colonial rule and that Lee welcomed the decision. The E before 815 stands for Eastar Jet.

At a news conference at Gimpo International Airport before leaving Seoul, Kim Seong-jae, a director at the Kim Dae-jung Peace Center who is leading the delegation, said, "Lee expressed wishes that this visit could pave the way for continuous dialogue, exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas." He added that Lee will brief in person on the result of her visit to the North when she returns, suggesting that it will be possible to bring an issue significant enough for her to announce. Therefore, some people speculated about the possibility that she will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Lee`s aides said a "hot line" had been installed at Paekhwawon Guest House and Myohyangsan Hotel, where the delegates would stay, for direct communication with Seoul`s Ministry of Unification. Kim said the hot line would enable them to keep in touch with Seoul on a regular basis and convey "urgent news," which seems to refer to a meeting with the North Korean leader.

Lee and her entourage left Seoul at 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Pyongyang at 11:06 a.m. via a direct air route over the Yellow Sea. In addition to the 18-member delegation, Eastar Jet CEO Kim Jung-shik was also aboard the flight. North Korea`s state-run Korean Central News Agency carried a brief news report on Lee`s arrival.

zeitung@donga.com