[Focus] Tasks lie beyond Kim's Nobel Prize

President Kim Dae-Jung's receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize 2000 signifies the international recognition of his efforts for the promotion of democracy and human rights and for the settlement of peace on the Korean peninsula.

Domestic significance:

It seems that President Kim's underlining the universal values of democracy, human rights and peace in his Nobel speech, televised worldwide, has contributed greatly to enhancing Korea's international standing. The economic circle expects that the event will lead to upgrading the nation's sovereign credibility and increase foreign investments in Korea.

Contribution to inter-Korean relations:

One of the most important results of Kim's Nobel Prize is the expansion of the international environment in support of the policies for peace, reconciliation and cooperation on the peninsula.

It is assessed that, on the sideline of his attendance at the prize award ceremony, President Kim's visits to Norway and Sweden, which maintain concurrent diplomatic relations with North Korea, have strengthened cooperative bases for North Korea's openness and reform.

Next agenda:

There are not many people who predict that Kim's receiving the Nobel Prize will consolidate his position in domestic politics. As long as South Korea¡¯s regional antagonism persists, his prize could be rather burdensome for the ruling camp. And if the current economic crisis is prolonged, the significance of the Nobel Prize will wane.

Therefore, many people pointed out that from now on, Kim would have to concentrate his efforts on the economic recovery and antagonism between regions and classes. This is why the general public is paying attention to his promised plan for reforming state affairs, while those allied with the ruling party feel a heavy sense of oppression.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com