Kwon Noh-kap, chairman of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation (96) and a standing adviser to the Democratic Party, will hold a publication ceremony on March 6 at the National Assembly Museum in Yeouido for his book, “Kwon Noh-kap: 100-Year Biography,” which sums up his political life.
The book features comments on Kwon from 117 people, ranging from presidents and first ladies to National Assembly speakers, prime ministers, ministers, political allies and juniors, rivals and friends. It is both a tribute to a veteran politician and a record of modern South Korean political history.
Congratulatory messages (to be read on behalf of the speakers) are scheduled from President Lee Jae-myung, former first lady Kwon Yang-sook and former President Moon Jae-in. Video messages are also planned from National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, former National Assembly speakers, the head of the National Assembly Alumni Association and other senior political figures are expected to attend and offer remarks.
The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 includes recollections of Kwon by figures such as Moon, Woo and Kim. Part 2 traces an era marked by industrialization and democratization, division and solidarity, portraying Kwon as guided not by power but by what he believed was the right direction.
Part 3 describes years of hardship endured in the struggle for democratization and persistent preparations aimed at a change of government. Part 4 focuses on Kwon’s present, depicting him as someone who, even as he nears 100, chooses to keep learning rather than to teach. Kwon said, “I cannot fully express my gratitude to the colleagues and juniors who wrote for this book.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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