SEOUL -- South Korean President Kim Dae Jung will enjoy his trip to Europe. For 11 days, until Dec. 12, he can turn his back on merciless domestic politics, which have been causing him so many headaches. South Korea's president is far more popular beyond the borders of his country than among his own people. In Europe, appreciation and admiration for the statesman from Seoul is unconditional, making the journey to the "old continent" a political pleasure trip.
The main reason for Kim's European tour is to participate in celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, which will be held Dec. 6 in Oslo. Kim will join 35 other Nobel Peace Prize winners in a discussion on "War and Peace During the 20th Century."
Considering the present state of world affairs, this is a timely endeavor. In Oslo, Kim's mind will drift back a year to when he received the highest international distinction, making his greatest dream came true. Less than 12 months later, most South Koreans seem to have forgotten this triumphant episode. Probably even worse for Kim, the process of inter-Korean reconciliation, which he kick-started, and which eventually earned him the Nobel prize, has collapsed with little hope of a fast revival.