Local Leaders Nationwide: "We Have Lost a Symbol of Democratization"

On the 22nd, upon hearing the news of former President Kim Young-sam's passing, local leaders from across the nation expressed deep condolences, saying, "A great star symbolizing South Korea's democratization has set."

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon posted on SNS, "88 years of life devoted to democratization, civilian government, and reform. We have lost an elder," and added, "The great legacy the deceased left us through 'great virtue without borders,' we who remain will act with gravity."

Local leaders from Busan and South Gyeongsang Province, who shared special ties with former President Kim, quickly issued statements or sent floral tributes to the funeral altar to express their condolences.

Busan Mayor Seo Byung-soo said, "I deeply mourn the passing of former President Kim, who established a civilian government and led South Korea's democracy," and added, "As a president from Busan, he provided great help to regional development, so we citizens extend great gratitude and respect."

Gyeongnam Governor Hong Joon-pyo and Changwon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, who were nominated by former President Kim for the 15th National Assembly elections in 1996 and grew into senior figures in politics, also expressed their condolences.

Mayor Ahn said, "We have lost a great leader," and pledged, "Inheriting the spirit of one who dedicated himself to South Korea's democratization and achieved multiple reforms, I will do my utmost so that South Korea and Changwon City achieve greater development."

Governor Hong sent a floral tribute to the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital on the morning of that day.

Local leaders on overseas business trips are expressing condolences while traveling home or accelerating their return for visits of mourning.

Gyeongbuk Governor Kim Gwan-yong, who completed his official trip to Senegal and is returning home, said, "Former President Kim was a symbol of South Korea's democratization and a great leader who brought about many changes to the nation," and added, "I cannot help but feel regret at the news of his passing, and I mourn deeply together with 3 million residents of the province."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-phil, on an official trip to Japan, said, "Former President Kim relentlessly worked toward democracy in this land and was the president who opened Korea's era of civilian government," and evaluated, "During his tenure, he achieved bold reforms including the elimination of factional divisions, real-name financial system, and public officials' asset disclosure system."

Assessments of democratization, one of former President Kim's greatest legacies, also followed.

Jeonam Province Governor Lee Nak-yeon said, "Former President Kim dedicated his life to freedom, human rights, and democracy, and did not falter despite numerous hardships including expulsion from the National Assembly and house confinement," and noted, "Regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, he gave historical meaning, stating, 'Today's government stands on the continuation of the Gwangju Democratization Movement as a democratic government,' and condemned the new military faction forces."

Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun mourned, "During his tenure, he laid a cornerstone for the completion of democracy and left great marks through bold reforms to eradicate privileges and corruption," and added, "Gwangju remembers establishing the May 18 Democratization Movement as a proud history of South Korea, preserving the spirit of Gwangju, and creating a history we are not ashamed to pass down to our descendants."

Incheon Mayor Yu Jung-bok said, "He was the president who revitalized local autonomy and established grassroots democracy centered on citizens, laying the foundation for today's local governance," and stated, "Through bold reform measures such as the eradication of corruption, he left a legacy that transformed the nature of South Korea's politics and economy."

The Ulsan mayor and Jeju governor commemorated the deceased by introducing the special ties their regions shared with former President Kim.

Ulsan Mayor Kim Ki-hyun said, "The sense of condolence is particularly special as he showed affection during his tenure, including elevating Ulsan to metropolitan city status," and promised, "We will long remember and further develop that passionate love for the nation and Ulsan."

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong mourned the passing, saying, "He showed great attachment to Jeju, the Island of Peace, hosting Korea-U.S. and Korea-Japan summit talks in Jeju in 1996," and added, "In a single year alone, by hosting discussions on the Korean Peninsula situation and world peace with the leaders of the United States and Japan in Jeju on two separate occasions, he played a major role in promoting Jeju worldwide as an 'Island of Peace.'"