Kim Dae-jung

Politician

Kim Dae-jung was a South Korean politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his advocacy of democracy and human rights, particularly during authoritarian rule.

Born
December 3, 1924
Died
August 18, 2009
Quotes
18
Rank
#3002

About Kim Dae-jung

Kim Dae-jung — Life and Legacy

Kim Dae-jung, a prominent South Korean politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is best known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights. His significant contributions during a time of political turmoil in South Korea, particularly his efforts to challenge authoritarian regimes, have left a lasting impact on the nation’s democratic landscape. Kim's philosophy centered around the belief that democracy is essential for human dignity, a sentiment echoed in his famous assertion that 'the people are the true owners of the country.' This quote encapsulates his view that power should be derived from the will of the people, challenging the oppressive structures of his time. Throughout his life, Kim Dae-jung faced immense personal struggles, including political imprisonment and exile, experiences that deeply informed his worldview. His quotes often reflect a profound understanding of the sacrifices required for freedom, emphasizing that 'freedom is not a gift from the government; it is a right that must be fought for.' This perspective illustrates his belief in the active role citizens must play in securing their rights, a theme that resonates strongly in today's global discourse on democracy. Kim's legacy is significant, as his quotes continue to inspire individuals to engage in civic life and advocate for their rights. His emphasis on the importance of human rights and civic engagement remains relevant, encouraging new generations to uphold the values of democracy and freedom in the face of adversity.

Quote collection

Kim Dae-jung quotes

18 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"So if North Korea continues present isolation, then with such economic difficulties the North Korean government must meet a very serious situation in the future."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"If America would withdraw from South Korea, there could be a power struggle between such as China and Japan."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"To realize peace on the Korean peninsula, and to develop exchange, cooperation between both Koreas, they are the, you know, immediate target of our government."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"So South Korean ability is very much limited to handle North Korean, you know, difficulties. So we don't want to see an immediate collapse of the North Korea regime."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"So such an American troops presence in Korea in the South and Japan, total some 100,000 should stay there forever, even after unification of Korean peninsula."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"There is some sign that North Korea is changing recently. There is ongoing successful negotiation to have a military talk to Pyongyang, which has been stopped for seven years."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"Well, that is very imperative to let North Korea open door to outside."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"And also, we are providing, you know, a nuclear power plant in the north, two light water systems, so some 4 or 5 billion dollars we are providing to meet with North Korean requests on the condition North Korea will not produce a nuclear weapon."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"You know, North Korea situation is far worse than East Germany, and South Korea is weaker than West Germany."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"So in Asia I want to make - I want to succeed to make a model of what success, practicing democracy, and market economy. Then that will give a good influence over Asian countries."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"I think a major cause of present Asian economic difficulties that mainly come from, you know, lack of market economy."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"But such IMF pressure is very much helpful for me to push such a, you know, reform. So in this sense I think IMF is very much helpful for alien society."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"American presence is, you know, the major cause of balance of power and the stability in this region."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"Democracy is the absolute value that makes for human dignity, as well as the only road to sustained economic development and social justice."

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Kim Dae-jung Politician
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"So now we are pushing economic reform, bank reform and enterprise reform. So we can finish that reform this year, in September or October. Then our economy may be much more, you know, normalized."

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