Seoul: Key politicians of the rival parties called for national unity Tuesday as they marked the 17th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, pledging to uphold his democratic values. National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik, Kim Min-seok, the newly elected leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), and other key political figures attended a ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery, where the former president is entombed.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho highlighted Kim Dae-jung's defense of democracy against dictatorship, his achievement of a peaceful power transfer, and his efforts to rebuild the country's economy. Cho emphasized that the National Assembly is committed to carrying on Kim's spirit of unity and pragmatism, and will lead in strengthening democracy, safeguarding livelihoods, and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Min-seok, who recently assumed leadership of the DP, paid tribute to Kim Dae-jung at his grave. He reflected on his past role as the youngest chief of staff to Kim Dae-jung and expressed his commitment to following in the late president's footsteps. He urged bipartisan cooperation to honor and learn from Kim's legacy by overcoming ideological differences.

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), was originally slated to attend the memorial ceremony but opted to visit flood-hit areas in South Gyeongsang Province instead. PPP chief spokesperson Park Choong-kwon released a statement calling on parliament to uphold the values of dialogue and compromise that Kim Dae-jung championed.

Kim Dae-jung, remembered as a pro-democracy advocate and opposition leader, served as president from 1998 to 2003 and passed away in 2009. His legacy includes significant contributions to democracy and efforts to improve relations with North Korea. In 2000, he conducted the first inter-Korean summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting democracy and reconciliation with Pyongyang.