Kim Minseok Attends DJ Memorial: "Youngest Chief Secretary Now Greets You as Democratic Party Leader"

Recounting Political Memories and Experiences with Kim Dae-jung

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, paid tribute to the late former President Kim Dae-jung on the 18th, stating, "I will also try to summon the courage to surpass boundaries."

On this day, during the memorial service for the 17th anniversary of President Kim Dae-jung's passing, held at Hyeonchung-gwan in the National Seoul National Cemetery, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Kim said, "As your youngest chief secretary, I am now greeting you as the Democratic Party leader, following in your footsteps."

Reflecting on the past, he said, "There are many scenes that come to mind." Kim recalled, "Even details of my first defeat at the age of 28—details I had long forgotten—remained in your memory even a decade later, showing your sensitivity. After heated debates with senior colleagues, you encouraged me by saying, 'The party has found a new talent.' You continuously emphasized that politicians must fiercely debate internal issues and underscored the importance of establishing ideological direction within the party. In 2002, after the unification of presidential candidates, during the downturn and the middle of my 18 years as an outsider in my mid-40s, you advised me, 'You still have forty more years of politics ahead, so hone your skills for future retreat.' Despite seeing you only as a giant, you would, from time to time, show me—then in my thirties—your human vulnerabilities. When you came to power with the National Congress for New Politics and later founded the Millennium Democratic Party, you regained the Democratic name and rejoiced like a child. All of these memories were privileges to me," reminiscing about numerous moments with the late President Kim.

Additionally, Kim said, "The sense of pragmatism and prioritization of people's livelihoods I now witness under President Lee Jae-myung felt strikingly similar to what I experienced back then. Perhaps that's why President Kim's chief secretary has now become the prime minister for President Lee Jae-myung," he reflected.

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the memorial service for the 17th anniversary of the death of President Kim Dae-jung held on the 18th at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, and was seen leaving after delivering his eulogy. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He continued, "I know that without President Kim's support, it would have been difficult to start the Park Chung-hee Memorial Library," and went on, "I am aware that President Kim's political decisions were always informed by philosophical and religious introspection." He remarked, "I know that though he crossed the river of death more than anyone else, he also had a uniquely refined sense of humor, and while there are many outstanding leaders, it is rare to be respected and called a teacher as President Kim was."

Kim concluded, "I am grateful and I will learn from you," adding, "I will also strive to overcome my limits with courage, as only then can we realize the world and country you dreamed of sooner." He finished his eulogy by stating, "Kim Dae-jung's legacy is now a history of respect and learning, beyond simply affection, sorrow, and remembrance. Together with the people, we will honor and learn across ideological lines in a bipartisan manner."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.