The Kim Dae-jung Library at Yonsei University has announced the public disclosure of a letter written by Lee Hee-ho to President Park Chung-hee, dated September 25, 1978, along with related documents including a petition submitted by her to the Minister of Justice on September 1 of the same year. The letter highlights Lee’s concerns regarding the treatment of her husband, Kim Dae-jung, who was imprisoned under harsh conditions despite being ostensibly transferred to a hospital for treatment. The released materials also include a diagram of the prison hospital ward and photographs from 1978, capturing Lee's visits to Kim Dae-jung during his incarceration.

The events leading to the letter's backdrop are rooted in the March 1st Democratic National Declaration that took place in 1976. This declaration was a significant protest against the authoritarian regime under Park Chung-hee, where prominent figures, including Kim Dae-jung, voiced their demands for democracy. The regime had intensified its repressive measures which led to the arrest and imprisonment of many opposition leaders, including Kim Dae-jung, who endured severe conditions during his detention at the Seoul Prison Hospital Ward. In her letter, Lee identified herself as Kim Dae-jung's wife, stated that his continued confinement was unjustified and criticized the use of hospitalization as a pretext for prolonged detention.

The disclosure of this letter and the accompanying documents sheds light on the authoritarian practices of the Park regime and reveals the personal struggles of political families during this tumultuous period. It serves not only to commemorate the anniversary of the pro-democracy movement but also to remind the public of the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy in South Korea, raising awareness of human rights issues related to political prisoners during that era.