26 Korean lawmakers have recommended U.S. congressman Tony P. Hall (D-Ohio) as a candidate for this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula and addressing the world's famine.

The ruling and opposition lawmakers, including Reps. Kim Young-jin, Kim Won-ki, Kim Keun-tae and Chung Chang-wha, send a letter of recommendation to the Nobel Foundation in Oslo Jan. 15.

Rep. Kim Young-jin said, "Congressman Hall visited 17 nations, including Ethiopia, Somalia and North Korea, to tackle hunger and human rights issues there.

Kim said... in particular, Hall has staged various activities for the peace on the Korean Peninsula by endeavoring to persuade North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and other top North Korean officials to improve relations with South Korea and the United States.