Lee Hee-ho, the widow of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung passed away Monday after a battle with cancer.<br />She not only played a crucial role in devising policies for women and the marginalized,... but also exerted all her efforts to enhance relations between the two Koreas.<br />Kim Hyo-sun reports.<br /><br />Lee Hee-ho, the wife of former late President Kim Dae-jung died Monday evening at the age of 96.<br />She had been hospitalized lately while battling liver cancer.<br />During her life, Lee stood at the forefront of safeguarding women's rights in South Korea,... as the country's first generation female activist.<br />She was also a supportive companion and adviser to former President Kim,... well known for his so-called sunshine policy of engagement with North Korea.<br />She stood beside him while he ran for office for four times,... and supported him throughout his pro-democracy movement.<br />Even on the day of her husband's death,... Lee spoke of democracy.<br /><br />"I sincerely hope we live with the conscience of acting. This was my husband's dying wish."<br /><br />Lee also exerted efforts to improve inter-Korean relations,... serving as the head of the Kim Dae Jung Peace Center,... which was founded by her husband to promote inter-Korean reconciliation and world peace.<br />In 2000,... she accompanied her husband to Pyeongyang for the first historic summit between the two Koreas,... and served as special envoy to the North.<br /><br />"I believe we shouldn't pass down the pain of division to future generations."<br /><br />President Moon Jae-in mourned Lee's death,... referring to her as a great person.<br />He posted Twitter and Facebook messages on Monday,... immediately after Lee's passing.<br />While Lee was in critical condition,... she was with her family until the moment of her death.<br /><br />"Her family gathered to sing hymns. She also sang along with them while they said, 'Thank you. We respect you, and We love you.'"<br /><br />A five-day public funeral will be organized for Lee,... and she will be buried at Seoul National Cemetery,... where her husband was laid to rest a decade ago.<br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.<br />
