Lee vows to follow late President Kim's path for S. Korea's future at his memorial
Participants observe a moment of silence during a tribute ceremony marking the 16th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, at Seoul National Cemetery, in Seoul, Aug. 18. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that the path taken by late former President Kim Dae-jung points the way for South Korea's future, as he paid tribute on the 16th anniversary of Kim's death.
"I will follow the path that the president paved ahead of us, and keep moving forward without stopping. Whenever I feel tempted to stop, I will recall the relentless life of this great leader," Lee said in his tribute message, read on his behalf by his chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik.
"I will trust the many 'conscientious actors' nurtured by Kim Dae-jung, and without wavering, continue toward a nation where the people are truly the owners, where everyone prospers together, and where peace flows like a mighty river," Kang quoted Lee as saying.
Lee also reflected on Kim's legacy as a life that overcame political hardships and was devoted to protecting the country's past, present and future, while building a democracy that embraces differing views and unity.
Kim, who served as president from 1998-2003, is known for his democratic activism and reconciliation efforts toward North Korea. His "Sunshine Policy" toward the North called for engagement with Pyongyang through dialogue and cooperation.
In recognition of his lifetime work for peace, Kim was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.