Chief Secretary Noh Young-min to Visit Park Won-soon’s Funeral... President Moon to Send Floral Tribute

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] The Blue House was engulfed in shock on the 10th upon hearing the sudden death of the late Park Won-soon, the Mayor of Seoul, who had been accused of sexual harassment. In the afternoon, as soon as the funeral hall is prepared, Chief Presidential Secretary Noh Young-min is scheduled to pay his respects.

President Moon Jae-in is reported to not visit the funeral hall in person but will instead send a condolence wreath in the name of the president. Chief Secretary Noh and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung will visit the funeral hall to console the bereaved family. However, it appears that the Blue House will not issue a separate message at the institutional level.

The Blue House is refraining from commenting on Mayor Park’s death as much as possible, yet the atmosphere reveals an inability to hide the shock. From the evening of the day before the missing person report was filed until late at night, the National Situation Room closely monitored the search situation conducted by the police and fire authorities, checking for any changes. Since this is the first case of a sitting Seoul mayor dying while in office, considering the gravity of the matter, it is believed that a report was made to President Moon overnight.

Internally, it is known that the postponement of the 'Korean New Deal' comprehensive plan national briefing scheduled for the 13th is also being considered. The 13th is the day of Mayor Park’s funeral. However, since it is a policy-related schedule for the national economy, there are opinions that it should proceed without disruption, so the matter is under careful consideration.