President Lee Myung-bak expressed condolences on the passing of former President Kim Dae-jung this afternoon. In his remarks, the President said, “We lost a great political leader today. His accomplishments and aspirations to achieve democratization and inter-Korean reconciliation will long be remembered by the people.”

He continued, “I hope that President Kim’s lifelong wishes will eventually be realized through reconciliation between the South and North and social integration.” The President conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the repose of the former President.