[KS] Kim and Nobel

[J. Kim]

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I understand that Kim Dae-jung's Nobel Peace Prize is an honor for the
awardee and for the country of South Korea.  

However, what about the role of Kim Jong-il?  Shouldn't the North Korean
leader be recognized as well?  If it weren't for KJI's agreeing to the
North-South talks, the family reunions, and the "unified" Korea during
the Olympics (only for the opening ceremony!), would KDJ have still been
recognized for all his "achievements?"  

In addition, weren't all the events mentioned above an ingenious
strategy on KDJ's part so that he could reap the Prize (his 13th
attempt) while he was in Office?  

KIm Dae-jung's numerous political hardships aside, is he a man who has
genuinely endeavored to bring Peace and unity to the Korean peninsula or
has he enterprised all his life to reach the Presidency of South
Korea?   Will his legacy and name be linked with other KOrean political
leaders, especially past Korean Presidents, or will it be amongst names
like Ghandi, etc? 

Are Koreans celebrating the fact that they have a great man doing great
work or ar they simply celebrating the recognition of such an award?

Jina Kim
Asian Languages and Literature
University of Washington