The Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library and Museum held its official reopening ceremony on November 2, 2006.  Visitors to the library were able to view the newly renovated space, which includes Kim Dae-jung’s personal collections never before displayed in Korea.

Guests were able to walk around the 1,650 square meter exhibition space and follow Kim Dae-jung’s journey from early childhood to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.  In the newly opened exhibition hall, background information into Kim Dae-jung’s life is accompanied by video footage, media-related materials, and personal belongings, which bring to life the various hardships and triumphs throughout his life.  The space also includes gifts from foreign leaders, his personal collection of books, and archived items in the library’s collection, totaling more than 3,600 items.

The official opening of the library was followed by an Evening of Support held in the main auditorium of Yonsei University.  The event recognized the support and contributions that the library receives from public citizens and organizations, which are essential to financing the operations of the library.  The event also provided an opportunity to introduce its various projects and objectives, as well as raise money to fund the library’s ongoing efforts to promote the consolidation of democracy, enhancement of peace and eradication of poverty.

Long-time acquaintances, students, and supporters of Kim Dae-jung were among the attendees.  Several prominent guests were present, including Prime Minister Han Myeng-sook, Minister Lee Yog-sup, as well as Kim Dae-jung and his wife were in attendance.  There were various cultural performances throughout the evening, which was concluded by a personal address by Kim Dae-jung to his guests.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate not only the reopening of the library and the donations of its supporters, but it allowed those in attendance to reflect on the contributions of Kim Dae-jung and the many advances Korea has made in its long history towards democratization.