Kim Dae Jung, Korea's legendary dissident-turned-president, ranks along with Nelson Mandela as the victor in one of the greatest political reversals of the 20th century. Elected president by 1.7% of the vote at the height of Korea's economic crisis in December 1997, DJ, as he is popularly known, faces his most severe challenge. Will he be able to bring about genuine reconciliation with North Korea while attempting to carry out the 'second stage' of his economic reform? A fascinating portrait of a political leader, his rise to power, and the struggles he faces today.

DONALD KIRK is a house author. He is the author of Korean Crisis and Looted: The Philippines After the Bases. He writes for the International Herald Tribune.