South Korean social-democratic politician. As
a committed opponent of the regime of Gen
Park Chung Hee, he suffered imprisonment and
exile. He was a presidential candidate in
1971 and 1987. A Roman Catholic, born in the
poor SW province of Cholla, Kim was
imprisoned by communist troops during the
Korean War. He rose to prominence as an
opponent of Park and was only narrowly
defeated when he challenged Park for the
presidency in 1971. He was imprisoned 1976-78
and 1980-82 for alleged `anti-government
activities' and lived in the USA 1982-85. On
his return to South Korea he spearheaded a
fragmented opposition campaign for
democratization, but, being one of several
opposition candidates, was defeated by the
government nominee, Roh Tae Woo, in the
presidential election of Dec 1987. A
political firebrand, Kim enjoys strong
support among blue-collar workers and fellow
Chollans, but is feared and distrusted by the
country's business and military elite.