10th Anniversary of Kim Youngsam's Passing... Lee: "Engraving 'Daedomumun' in My Heart, Advancing Toward a True Democratic Republic"

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, and Kim Hyun-chul, son of former President Kim Young-sam, greet each other at the memorial service for the 10th anniversary of the late former President Kim Young-sam's passing, held on the 21st at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

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On November 21, President Lee Jaemyung marked the 10th anniversary of former President Kim Youngsam's passing by stating, "No matter what trials and challenges we may face, we will not waver and will continue to move forward toward a more mature democracy and a true democratic republic, just as the President demonstrated with his unwavering conviction and determination."

On this day, Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, delivered President Lee's eulogy at the memorial ceremony for the 10th anniversary of former President Kim Youngsam's passing, held at the Memorial Hall and the grave site of President Kim at the National Seoul National Cemetery.

President Lee described former President Kim as "a fighter for democracy who ended the long winter of military dictatorship and ushered in the spring of civilian rule," "a reformer of his era who boldly broke old and outdated orders and paved the way for new progress," and "a president who did not yield to injustice and stood humbly before justice." He added, "The resolute cry that 'even if you twist the neck of a rooster, dawn will come' remains an indelible symbol of courage and indomitable spirit in the history of Korea's democratization."

President Lee continued, "Immediately after taking office, he disbanded Hanahoe and brought those responsible for the Gwangju massacre to justice, correcting the course of Korea's history and the order of the democratic republic." He emphasized, "Because of his life-risking decisions that no one else could easily attempt, the unfortunate history of the military intervening in politics and ruling over the nation and its people could be brought to an end."

President Lee also said, "By introducing the Real Name Financial Transaction System and the Real Name Real Estate System, he laid the foundation for a transparent market economy, and by making the assets of high-ranking officials public, he broke the chain of dark collusion that dominated our society." He explained, "Through the full implementation of local autonomy, he sowed the seeds of democracy nationwide, and by demolishing the Japanese Government-General Building, he helped heal deep wounds and restore national pride."

He added, "The Kim Youngsam administration, which said that reform is more difficult than revolution, led Korea to become an economic powerhouse with a national income of 10,000 dollars and established the framework of a modern nation where democracy and the market economy are in harmony."

Mentioning the four-character idiom "Daedomumun" (大道無門, 'There are no obstacles on the righteous path'), known as former President Kim's motto, President Lee concluded his eulogy by saying, "Now, following in your footsteps, we are upholding the values of freedom, justice, and peace, and advancing toward a better democracy. We ask that you always guide us on that path."

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