16th Anniversary of Kim Daejung's Passing Marked by Waves of Remembrance Across Jeollanam-do

Memorial Ceremonies Held at Kim Daejung's Birthplace in Sinan and Memorial Hall in Mokpo
Residents Reflect on "A Conscience in Action"

On the 16th anniversary of the passing of former President Kim Daejung, memorial events were held in Sinan County and Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, as residents continued to pay their respects.

On the 16th anniversary of former President Kim Daejung's passing on the 18th, a memorial event was held at his birthplace on Haedo Island, Sinan. Photo by Seung Hyun Jung

On the 18th, a memorial ceremony took place at the birthplace of President Kim Daejung in Haui-myeon, Sinan County, Jeollanam-do, attended by regional figures such as Kim Daein, Deputy Governor of Sinan, Lee Sangjoo, Chairperson of the Sinan County Council, Lee Hyunjun, Chief of Sinan Police Station, and around 150 local residents.

The event began with a flower offering and a moment of silence, followed by a recitation of "A Conscience in Action, Kim Daejung." In his memorial address, Deputy Governor Kim Daein expressed his condolences, saying, "President Kim Daejung was a giant born of Sinan and a symbol of democracy in Korea." Many of the attendees shed tears as they paid tribute to the late president.

Lee Sangjoo, Chairperson of the County Council, stated, "His life, devoted to democracy, human rights, and peace despite the oppression of military dictatorship, will remain an enduring example." He added, "His compassion for ordinary people and the vulnerable, overcoming the IMF financial crisis, and the Sunshine Policy are deeply engraved in Korea's modern history."

Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok is offering flowers at the memorial ceremony held at the Kim Daejung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall. Photo by Jung Seunghyun

At the same time, a solemn memorial ceremony was also held at the Kim Daejung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall in Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, attended by about 200 people, including Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok, Jeollanam-do Superintendent of Education Kim Daejung, and Mokpo Deputy Mayor Cho Seokhoon.

During the flower offering ceremony on the second floor of the memorial hall, numerous politicians and representatives from organizations paid tribute to the spirit of democratization by laying chrysanthemums in front of the bust of President Kim Daejung.

Notably, Choi Gyeom, President of the Student Council at his alma mater Mokpo Commercial High School, and Vice President Song Jiyoon read letters pledging to "put a conscience in action."

In his memorial address, Governor Kim Youngrok recalled, "To the residents, the President was more than just a politician. He was a symbol of hope, pride, democracy, and the spirit of peace."

He went on to emphasize, "Jeollanam-do will stand at the forefront in practicing the Kim Daejung spirit, working to build a true democracy where the people are the real owners. We will usher in the 'Era of Jeollanam-do,' where the dreams and happiness of our residents become the pride of the province."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.