Yonhap News Agency

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On November 21, President Lee Jaemyung marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of former President Kim Youngsam, stating, "No matter what trials and challenges may arise, we will not waver, just as you showed unwavering conviction and determination. We will continue to move forward toward a more mature democracy and a true democratic republic."

On this day, Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, delivered President Lee's eulogy at the memorial service for the 10th anniversary of former President Kim's passing, held at the Memorial Hall and the gravesite of President Kim Youngsam at the National Seoul National Cemetery.

At the memorial ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the passing of former President Kim Youngsam held on the 21st at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, attendees are saluting the national flag. From the left: Kim Deokryong, Chairman of the Kim Youngsam Democracy Center; Kang Hunsik, Chief of Staff to the President; Joo Hoyoung, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Jang Donghyuk, Representative of the People Power Party; Yoon Hojung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Kwon Oul, Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Song Eonseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party. 2025.11.21 Yonhap News Agency

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President Lee described former President Kim as "a champion of democracy who ended the long, harsh winter of military dictatorship and ushered in the spring of civilian rule," "a reformer of his era who boldly broke through outdated and rigid systems, paving the way for new progress," and "a president who never yielded to injustice and stood humbly before justice." He further commemorated, "His resolute cry that 'even if you wring a rooster's neck, dawn will still come' remains forever in the history of Korea's democratization as a symbol of courage and indomitable spirit."

President Lee went on to say, "Immediately after taking office, he disbanded Hanahoe and brought those responsible for the Gwangju massacre to justice, correcting the course of Korea's history and the order of the democratic republic." He emphasized, "Because of his life-risking decisions that no one else dared to make, the tragic history of the military intervening in politics and ruling over the nation and its people could be brought to an end."

Kim Moosung, co-chairman of the Council for the Promotion of Democratization, is attending the memorial service for the 10th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Youngsam at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on November 21, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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President Lee also stated, "By introducing the real-name financial transaction system and the real-name real estate system, he laid the foundation for a transparent market economy, and by making the assets of high-ranking public officials public, he broke the chains of corrupt collusion that dominated our society." He continued, "Through the full implementation of local autonomy, he planted the seeds of democracy across the nation, and by demolishing the former Japanese Government-General building, he helped heal deep wounds and restore national pride."

He added, "The Kim Youngsam administration, which said that reform is more difficult than revolution, transformed Korea into an economic powerhouse with a national income of 10,000 dollars, and established the foundation of a modern state where democracy and a market economy coexist in harmony."

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, and Kim Hyun-chul, son of former President Kim Young-sam, are exchanging greetings at the memorial ceremony for the 10th anniversary of former President Kim Young-sam's passing held at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on November 21, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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President Lee referenced the four-character idiom known as former President Kim's motto, "Daedomumun" (大道無門, meaning 'On the right path, there are no obstacles'), and concluded his eulogy by saying, "Now, as we follow in your footsteps, we are upholding the values of freedom, justice, and peace as we move toward a better democracy. We ask that you always guide us on this path."