By Michael Ha
Staff Reporter
Kim Hong-jo, the father of former President Kim Young-sam, died in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. He was 97.
The late Kim gave unconditional and unwavering support to his son's political career from 1954 when he was first elected as a National Assemblyman, an aide to the former President said.
Some political observers have remarked that former Kim Young-sam may not have been able to stay in politics as long as he had and, indeed, may not have been able to win the presidency without his father's support.
Kim has been keenly aware of his father's help during his turbulent political career and has often expressed his appreciation, they said.
He has been close to his father and spoke with him over the phone almost on a daily basis even while serving as President, his aide said.
Kim, the country's 14th President, was inaugurated in 1993 and served a single five-year term. He is credited with presiding over a nationwide anti-corruption campaign and the prosecution of his two predecessors, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, on charges of treason and corruption.