Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, visited the home of Kim Dong-gil, Honorary Professor at Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, earlier this year to offer New Year’s greetings.
[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] The man with a mustache wearing a bow tie. Kim Dong-gil, a senior conservative figure well known for the catchphrase "What is this?" and an emeritus professor at Yonsei University (aged 94), passed away at 10:50 PM on the 4th at Seoul Sinchon Severance Hospital due to respiratory illness. He was 94 years old.
The deceased was a figure who worked as a professor and politician before becoming a conservative commentator. Born in 1928 in Maengsan County, South Pyongan Province, he moved south in 1946 and studied English literature, history, and philosophy at Yonsei University, the University of Evansville in the U.S., and Boston University, respectively. Afterwards, he taught at Yonsei University.
He actively participated in social movements and practical politics. He was arrested in 1974 for opposing the military dictatorship during the National Democratic Youth and Students Federation (Mincheonghakryeon) incident and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In 1980, he was dismissed from the university due to involvement in the Kim Dae-jung rebellion conspiracy case.
He also entered politics. He joined the Unification National Party founded by the late Chung Ju-yung, chairman of Hyundai Group, and was elected in the 14th National Assembly election in 1992. In 1994, he founded the New People's Party and the following year joined the United Liberal Democrats led by former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil, expanding his political scope, but he announced his retirement from politics ahead of the 15th general election.
In the 1980s, he was active as a conservative political commentator. He caused controversy by saying that former President Roh Moo-hyun "should even commit suicide" during his lifetime.
Until recently, he was actively engaged through YouTube and continued his political activities. He operated the YouTube channel ‘Kim Dong-gil TV’ until last year, and earlier this year, he served as the honorary chairman of the support committee for Ahn Cheol-soo, then the presidential candidate of the People’s Party.
He was also famous for writing many books. He left behind about 100 volumes during his lifetime. His works, such as "Youth, Do Not Hesitate" and "Where Are You Going, Young People?" conveyed messages related to future generations.
He lost his strength after testing positive for COVID-19 in February and passed away. According to his lifelong vow as a lifelong bachelor, his body will be donated to Yonsei University College of Medicine.
His residence will be donated to Ewha Womans University, where his late sister Kim Ok-gil served as president. The funeral will be held as a family ceremony at his home. The funeral procession will take place on the 7th.
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