Theresa Kim Hwa-young

The delegation from the North, in Seoul for the funeral of Kim Dae-jung, stayed one day more, and perhaps will even meet the President Lee Myung-bak. Writing of late President made public revealing his constant concern about inter-dialogue and the plight of democracy in the South, as well as the beauty of life and love for his wife.

The staunch defender of "democracy and human rights" and promoter of the "policy of reconciliation with the North”, died yesterday at the age of 85. The North Korea’s "Dear leader" sends a message of condolence to the family; for the funeral he announces a "special delegation" from Pyongyang. The Conference of Bishops "shares the pain” of the South Korean people.

Great celebrations for the centenary of murder of the regent of the Japanese in Korea, killed in 1909 by a Catholic patriot fighting for the liberation of the country. While the public has proclaimed him a national icon of pride, the Korean Church is divided on the figure of a man of peace who killed to support his ideals.

The President of the Committee on Bioethics makes clear that it "is never justified nor legal." A second hospital in Seoul adopts judge’s guidelines for the end of life, in fact allowing the "mercy killing”. The 77 year old woman who was disconnected from life saving machines on June 23 last breathes on her own.

Card Nicholas Chung Jin-suk presided over the ordination ceremony for 27 priests and deacons. The prelate remembers the first Korean priest ordained 164 years ago who died a martyr’s death. The number of South Korean Catholics tops five million or about 10 per cent of the population.

President Lee Myung-bak’s administration is under increasing pressures; accused of paying little attention to the needs of the poor, the environment and human rights. The president is told to apologise for investigating former President Roh, who committed suicide as a result.

The Congregation for the Cause of Saints begins its investigation that will lead to the beatification of 124 Martyrs and Father Thomas Choe Yang, who will join the 103 Korean Martyrs canonized by Pope Wojtyła in June 1984

Four months on from the death of the former Archbishop of Seoul, the demonstrations of respect and esteem that marked the days of his funeral continue.

Hospital will end medical treatment for a comatose 77-year-old woman in response to Supreme Court order confirming family’s wishes. Catholic leaders express concern over the ambiguities of the Court’s ruling.

More than a hundred professors from Seoul National University complain that human rights are not respected in the country and its democracy and press freedom are in regression. A survey indicates that most South Koreans want the current president to apologise for his predecessor’s death. The day after the funeral, police tear down a makeshift memorial dedicated to Roh and make arrests among the crowd.

Father Lee Ki-jeong, project supervisor, defines it as “a successful experience” because it allows them to respond to the Faithfull’s needs using “methods offered by modernity”. Before being baptised the catechumens are interviewed by the priest of their local parish.

Kim Jong-il expresses “profound condolences” to the family of the former president. Yesterday the country paid its respect to Roh. Funeral will be held next Friday and will be public. Judges end corruption probe.