SEOUL, (Reuters) – Former President Kim Dae-jung, a giant in South Korea’s shift to democracy who won the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to forge a reconciliation with the prickly communist North, died yesterday at the age of 85.
Kim, popularly known by his initials “DJ”, died of cardiac arrest brought on by massive organ failure. Staff at Yonsei Severance Hospital that has treated him since July 13, when he was admitted for pneumonia, did not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive him.
“We chose to let the deceased go in peace,” Yonsei hospital chief Park Chang-il told a news conference.
News of his death brought an outpouring of condolences, including from those who disagreed with the liberal leader on how to deal with reclusive North Korea, which has for decades been a destabilising factor for Asia’s fourth largest economy.
