By Ines Min
Contributing Writer
Globally renowned figures from more than 10 countries have written well-wishes to former president Kim Dae-jung since his health condition declined last month.
``The senders work in the areas of politics, academics, diplomacy, international NGOs and journalism," said Park Jun-hee, the international secretary for Kim's office, in an e-mail to The Korea Times. Via phone calls, e-mails, messages and letters, more than 40 individuals have sent their regards to the Nobel laureate.
``I was distressed to hear that you have not been in good health and have been in the hospital in recent weeks," said Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an e-mail to Kim. "I think often of our many meetings with great warmth and send all good wishes for a quick and complete recovery."
James Laney, president emeritus of Emory University and former U.S. ambassador to Korea, said that he and his wife have joined with other admirers to give thanks for Kim's ``courage and vision in leading Korea into full democracy and striving for peace on the Korean peninsula." Kim's life ``continues to be an invaluable inspiration to the world," he said.
Geir Lundestad, the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, extended his regards on behalf of the institute and Nobel committee. ``Our prayers and thoughts are with you in these difficult times," Lundestad said.
``I always felt that in the modern time his approach in politics and social life is similar to Mahatma Gandhi of India and Nelson Mandela of South Africa," said Sandip Kumar Mishra, an assistant professor of Korean studies from India. Mishra has had several opportunities to meet with the former President.
Ezra F. Vogel, a professor emeritus at Harvard University, called Kim ``one of the great world leaders of his time," while futurist and writer Alvin Toffler said he ``helped transform South Korea into a model for other nations around the world."
Park said that the office would most likely continue to receive the well-wishes. ``I think we will have more messages from international figures in the days to come," she said, adding special thanks to the senders on behalf of the ailing former President.
Other figures who have sent messages:
Mairead Maguire, 1976 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
John Dunn, professor at Cambridge University
Haruki Wada, professor emeritus at Tokyo University
David McCann, professor at Harvard University
Marion Current, Canadian missionary who promoted democracy in Korea
Russell L. Riley, chair and associate professor at the University of Virginia
Stephan M. Haggard, professor at the University of California
Rune Hersvik, former secretary-general of Point of Peace based in Norway