Part of late Kim Dae-jung's diary made public

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Sections of a diary written by late President Kim
Dae-jung during the first six months of this year were made public by his family
and aides on Friday, allowing a glimpse into his thoughts on turbulent events of
the period.
Kim, a lifetime dissident who took office in what was the country's first
peaceful transfer of power, died Tuesday of pneumonia-related complications after
more than a month in a Seoul hospital.
Revered as a champion of democracy, his 1998-2003 presidency was marked by his
engagement policy toward North Korea, which led to the first-ever inter-Korean
summit meeting in 2000. Kim was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year for his
cross-border reconciliation efforts.
Segments of the diary made public reveal Kim's reaction to the suicide of his
successor, Roh Moo-hyun, who jumped from a cliff near his hometown amid an
investigation by prosecutors into allegations of bribery involving his family and
close aides. They also show his disappointment at Pyongyang's missile and nuclear
tests and at the current administration of the conservative President Lee
Myung-bak.
The following are translated excerpts from the 31 diary entries released by the
family. Kim wrote roughly one hundred entries that begin on Jan. 1, 2009.

Jan. 1 -- There were so many New Year's visitors. I received hundreds of
well-wishers, standing for over 10 hours. It was very exhausting. I should focus
on looking after my health more than anything else this year. I shall praise
Jesus and pray to live up to 100.

Jan. 6 -- Today is my 85th birthday. Looking back, it was a tumultuous life. But
it was a life dedicated to democracy, economic recovery and reconciliation
between South and the North. There are shortcomings in the path that I have
lived, but no regrets.

Jan. 11 -- It is extremely cold today. Took a drive with my wife after lunch
along the Han River. We are enjoying the best in our relationship since we've
been married. I love and respect my wife. I pray to God every day that we live a
long and healthy life together.

Feb. 20 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called me from the plane as
she was leaving ... I think she called me to convey a message to the South Korean
government and North Korea in support of my sunshine policy. I really appreciate
the Clintons' consideration and friendship.

April 14 -- North Korea declares it is withdrawing from the six-party talks to
pursue its nuclear program in protest over the U.N. Security Council's statement
(on its rocket launch). It was expected. I think that while (North Korea) will
return to the six-party talks, it will reach a practical agreement through a
one-on-on showdown with the United States at the same time.

April 18 -- Family, relatives and aides of former President Roh Moo-hyun are
under prosecution investigation. It looks like Roh will also be prosecuted. It is
unfortunate for Roh, the opposition party, and myself who was a liberal
progressive president. I hope Roh handles it well.

May 18 -- Former U.S. President Bill Clinton invited me to dinner while he was in
South Korea. He is always a good friend. We discussed North Korean policy and I
gave him a memo and a letter for Secretary of State Clinton. Our conversation was
sincere and pleasant.

May 23 -- The news struck like thunder from a clear sky when I woke up -- former
President Roh commits suicide. This is sad and shocking. The prosecution had been
too cruel in its investigation. Roh, his wife, son, daughter, older brother,
cousin's husband -- attacking as if part of a crackdown. There were daily leaks
of inside information about the investigation, and they persisted in pressuring
Roh psychologically, talking about physically detaining him. Roh's suicide was
virtually forced.

May 25 -- North Korea's second nuclear test is truly deplorable. It should never
be condoned. But the Obama administration's behavior also falls short. Contrary
to the North's expectations, it dragged its feet in announcing the
administration's North Korea policy. It focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan,
declared its intent to improve ties with Iran, Syria, Russia and even Cuba, but
excluded North Korea. Such amateurism appears to have prompted the nuclear test
by North Korea to get the attention of the United States.
brk@yna.co.kr
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