# Kim Dae-jung

> 8th President of the Republic of Korea (1924–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q45785](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45785)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Dae-jung)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kim-dae-jung

## Summary
Kim Dae-jung was the 8th President of South Korea (1998–2003), a human rights advocate, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He is renowned for his diplomatic efforts to end the Korean War and promote reconciliation between North and South Korea.

## Biography
- Born: January 6, 1924
- Nationality: South Korean
- Education: University of Cambridge (honorary doctorate), University of Portland (honorary doctorate)
- Known for: Ending the Korean War through diplomacy and winning the Nobel Peace Prize
- Employer(s): Government of South Korea
- Field(s): Politics, diplomacy, human rights

## Contributions
- **Nobel Peace Prize (2000)**: Awarded for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Korea.
- **Rafto Prize (1999)**: Norwegian award recognizing his contributions to human rights.
- **Bruno Kreisky Award for Services to Human Rights (1999)**: Austrian prize for his advocacy.
- **Philadelphia Liberty Medal (1999)**: American medal for his human rights work.
- **Grand Order of Mugunghwa (1998)**: South Korean honor for his presidency.
- **Order of the Bath (1999)**: British chivalry award.
- **Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (1999)**: UK order of chivalry.
- **Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (1999)**: Italian honor for his diplomatic work.

## FAQs
**What was Kim Dae-jung’s most significant achievement?**
Kim Dae-jung is best known for ending the Korean War through diplomacy, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts.

**Where did Kim Dae-jung study?**
He received honorary doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the University of Portland.

**What awards did Kim Dae-jung receive?**
He won the Nobel Peace Prize, Rafto Prize, Bruno Kreisky Award, Philadelphia Liberty Medal, and multiple orders of chivalry from the UK and Italy.

**What was Kim Dae-jung’s role in South Korea?**
He served as the 8th President of South Korea from 1998 to 2003, focusing on peace and reconciliation.

## Why They Matter
Kim Dae-jung’s legacy is defined by his diplomatic breakthroughs in ending the Korean War, which had been frozen since the 1950–53 conflict. His Nobel Peace Prize recognition cemented his role as a global advocate for reconciliation. His presidency marked a turning point in South Korea’s foreign policy, shifting from military confrontation to diplomacy. His influence extended beyond Korea, inspiring similar efforts in other conflict zones. Without his leadership, the Korean Peninsula might still be divided, and his human rights advocacy set a precedent for future leaders.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Peace Prize (2000)**: First Korean to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
- **Ended the Korean War (1998)**: Brokered the historic 1998 inter-Korean summit.
- **Human Rights Advocate**: Received multiple awards for promoting human rights.
- **Honorary Doctorates**: Recognized by the University of Cambridge and University of Portland.
- **Diplomatic Leadership**: Transformed South Korea’s foreign policy from military to peace-oriented.
- **Orders of Chivalry**: Received the Order of the Bath and Order of Saint Michael and Saint George from the UK.
- **Italian Recognition**: Awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Kim Dae-jung was born on January 6, 1924, in Seoul, South Korea. He studied at the University of Cambridge and the University of Portland, earning honorary doctorates for his contributions to diplomacy and human rights.

### Political Career
Kim served as the 8th President of South Korea from 1998 to 2003, focusing on ending the Korean War through diplomacy. His presidency marked a shift in South Korea’s foreign policy, prioritizing reconciliation over military confrontation.

### Diplomatic Achievements
- **1998 Inter-Korean Summit**: Brokered the historic meeting between North and South Korean leaders, ending the Korean War.
- **Nobel Peace Prize (2000)**: Awarded for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Korea.
- **Rafto Prize (1999)**: Recognized for his contributions to human rights and diplomacy.

### Awards and Honors
Kim received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, Rafto Prize, Bruno Kreisky Award, Philadelphia Liberty Medal, and multiple orders of chivalry from the UK and Italy. He was also honored with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa by South Korea.

### Legacy
Kim Dae-jung’s legacy is one of peace and reconciliation, transforming South Korea’s foreign policy and inspiring similar efforts worldwide. His diplomatic breakthroughs in ending the Korean War remain a landmark in international relations.

## References

1. [Former S Korea President Kim dies. BBC News Online. 2009](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8206490.stm)
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=200105100022)
4. [Kim Dae-jung. TheGuardian.com. 2009](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/18/obituary-kim-dae-jung)
5. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
6. general catalog of BnF
7. Library of Congress Control Number
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Find a Grave
11. Babelio
12. Kim Dae-Jung. Integrated Authority File
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. Croatian Encyclopedia
15. Google Knowledge Graph
16. CONOR.SI
17. [Source](http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0000086360)
18. LIBRIS. 2012