By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak expressed his sorrow Tuesday over the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, saying the nation had lost a "great political leader," according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Lee will soon visit Kim's memorial altar at Severance Hospital in Seoul to pay his respects to the late Kim.
"His eager desire for democracy and national reconciliation will be remembered for a long time," he said. "I hope the nation will achieve reconciliation of the two Koreas and national unity in accordance with Kim's wishes."
He instructed government offices to make thorough preparations for Kim's funeral and help the bereaved family, the presidential office said.
The governing and opposition parties also expressed grief over the death of former President Kim.
Members of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) stopped their street rallies against recently passed media-related bills in provincial areas and immediately returned to Seoul for the funeral.
"The late Kim, you were a great teacher of our time. Your death is the cause of much grief and resentment," DP spokesman Noh Young-min said in a statement.
He continued, "You did not bow your head to the harsh dictatorship and overcame financial difficulties. We are not ready to let you go. The people miss you."
The governing Grand National Party (GNP) conveyed its condolences as well.
"Kim devoted himself to protecting democracy and human rights, and the development of inter-Korean relations," GNP spokesman Yoon Sang-hyun said in a statement. "The nation has lost a great leader."
GNP Chairman Park Hee-tae expressed hope for reconciliation and cooperation between South and North Korea and unification of the Korean Peninsula, following the death of the great leader.
"Kim was a great star in Korean politics who sacrificed his life for the democracy and unification," he said.
National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o convened a meeting to discuss how to organize a parliamentary delegation for Kim's funeral.