In the grand spectacle of South Korean politics, few figures are as compelling as Kim Dae-jung. His life was nothing short of a political rollercoaster—one filled with near-death experiences, relentless struggles, and, ultimately, a triumphant rise to the presidency at the age of 74. If there was ever a leader who embodied resilience, it was him.
A Rocky Road to Power
Unlike many politicians who set their sights on power from a young age, Kim Dae-jung initially pursued a career in journalism. By 25, he was already the editor-in-chief of Mokpo Ilbo, a remarkable achievement. But fate had other plans. The Korean War broke out, and he was captured by North Korean forces. Sentenced to death, he miraculously escaped execution—an experience that reshaped his destiny.
In 1954, at 30, he decided to enter politics. However, winning a seat was an uphill battle. Three unsuccessful attempts later, he finally made it to the National Assembly in 1962—only to have his victory erased by Park Chung-hee’s military coup. This was just the beginning of his endless struggles against authoritarian rule.
By the 1970s, Kim Dae-jung had become the most formidable opponent of President Park Chung-hee. The 1971 election was a close call; Kim lost by just 900,000 votes, and many believed that a fair election would have secured his victory. This made him an even bigger target for the Park administration. What followed was a series of assassination attempts, kidnappings, and imprisonments. In 1971, he was severely injured in a staged car accident. In 1973, he was kidnapped by South Korean intelligence agents in Tokyo and almost drowned at sea. In 1976, he was sentenced to five years in prison.
Even after Park Chung-hee’s assassination in 1979, Kim’s troubles didn’t end. His next tormentor, General Chun Doo-hwan, arrested him for treason in 1980. Over 200 of his supporters were also detained and tortured. But despite all these hardships, Kim never gave up.
The Long-Awaited Victory
It wasn’t until 1997, at the age of 73, that Kim finally won the presidency. His victory was historic—he was the first opposition leader to ever take power in South Korea through a peaceful transition. However, his challenges didn’t stop there.
The moment he took office, he was met with the devastating Asian Financial Crisis. Instead of just demanding sacrifices from the people, Kim led by example—donating all his family’s valuables to support the national economy. His leadership inspired millions, and South Korea managed to recover from the crisis, cementing his reputation as a capable leader.
The “Sunshine Policy” and the Nobel Peace Prize
Kim Dae-jung’s most famous policy was the Sunshine Policy, which aimed to improve relations with North Korea. In June 2000, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, marking the first inter-Korean summit in history. That same year, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts—becoming the first Korean to receive the honor.
Even in dealing with his past enemies, Kim showed remarkable forgiveness. When former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were convicted of treason, Kim advocated for their pardon, believing that national unity was more important than revenge.
The Final Years: Triumph and Tragedy
Kim’s presidency ended in 2003, but like many former leaders, his post-political life was overshadowed by family scandals. While he himself remained untainted by corruption, his sons were caught in bribery and tax evasion scandals—something Kim admitted as his greatest regret.
In his final years, he often spoke about the importance of maintaining good relations with China. His famous advice to South Korean officials was: “Never make China your enemy.”
On August 18, 2009, Kim Dae-jung passed away at the age of 85. Despite his struggles and setbacks, he left behind a legacy of resilience, peace, and democracy. He was the ultimate political survivor—a man who went from the brink of death to the highest office in the land, proving that perseverance truly pays off.