North Korea had sent a high-ranking delegation to the state funeral, which met with South Korean leader Lee Myung Bak ahead of the funeral, the first dialogue between the two sides following months of silence.

During his term in office from 1998 to 2003, Kim had promoted the country's 'Sunshine Policy', seeking a detente with North Korea. He received the Nobel Peace Award for his work for democracy, human rights and reconciliation with North Korea.

Kim was the second South Korean president to die this year. His successor Roh Moo Hyun committed suicide in May.