Kim Dae-jung
In 1971, an attempt on his life was made by those working for the dictatorial government. During his stay in Japan in 1973, he was kidnapped and almost drowned at sea. Dr. Kissinger, the U.S.Secretary of State and the Japanese Government took this very seriously and raised concerns for his life. In 1981, the new military authorities sentenced him to death for his alleged subversive political activities. Under mounting international pressure his death sentence was reduced to life imprisonment and he was subsequently released from prison for 'medical' reasons. He then was exiled to the U.S. Despite such hardship and political oppression, he played a vital role in promoting democracy in Korea and became one of the most respected politicians.
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History of Korea 