By Han Eun-jung

``Prelude to Leadership: The European Diary of John F. Kennedy Summer 1945’’ unravels the thoughts of a 28-year-old John F. Kennedy. This collection of private entries from a diary kept by the late president sheds light on a side of Kennedy that has never been seen before.

The diary reveals the inner thoughts of man who would become one of the most remembered leaders of all time. Written during the summer of 1945, it finds Kennedy traveling through Europe as a reporter for the Hearst papers. As he witnesses from a short distance the end of World War II and the emergence of the Cold War, Kennedy shares his insights on the affairs and personalities of the period and also the future of Western democracies.

Kennedy makes interesting observances on the situations in European countries and from these experiences he is able to understand that a new drama is unfolding right in front of his eyes. Even before reaching the age of 30, Kennedy’s understanding that the doors to a new world are opening and accurate predictions of what lies ahead prove his potential to be a great leader. Towards the end of the diary, it becomes evident that he is somewhat aware he is destined to play some sort of role in the drama. In the years to follow, Kennedy starts his political career in congress and then goes on to become the youngest man to be elected president of the United States.

Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination. Few politicians have been able to gain both the love and respect of the public that Kennedy did. Even after four decades, his life and achievements are still celebrated to this day.

Translated into Korean by former journalist Kim Chang-young, the book titled ``Reporter-Turned-President’’ has been touched up prior to the publication of this new edition and includes photographs from the Kennedy Library.

ejh@koreatimes.co.kr