Jinseongjun: "I Do Not Agree That Paying Respects to Park Won-soon Is Secondary Harm"

Jinseongjun "I think there is an intention to politicize the issue"

The funeral hall for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon set up at Seoul National University Hospital. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] The funeral procession for the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, was held privately around 7 a.m. on the 13th. Jin Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party and former Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul, said, "If there were parts to explain while alive, how about explaining them?"

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Rep. Jin said, "Above all, it is truly regrettable that his absence occurred due to such an extreme choice."

Rep. Jin added, "If there were mistakes, how about honestly apologizing for them? Making such an extreme decision leaves a great shock to everyone, and his absence itself is a huge loss to us, so it is regrettable."

Regarding the controversy over the Seoul mayoral funeral, he argued, "The Seoul city government made the decision after consulting with government ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and thoroughly reviewing related regulations. It was not just anyone, but the incumbent mayor who suddenly passed away. Holding the funeral as a Seoul mayoral funeral is a natural thing."

He continued, "(The criticism) is an insult and offense to the one million citizens who participated in the online condolence site and the tens of thousands who visited the funeral hall in person. It is an intention to politicize the accusation case, which is said to be the background of the sudden death."

Rep. Jin said, "Depending on judgment, there may be questions like 'Is the Seoul mayoral funeral really appropriate?' But that assumes the victim's claims as facts and assumes that 'Mayor Park Won-soon is the perpetrator,' which could also be considered defamation of the deceased from another perspective."

He stated, "Of course, we must listen carefully to what the victim is saying. Not only Mayor Park Won-soon himself but our entire society should listen together," but added, "I find it difficult to agree with the claim that offering condolences or expressing mourning is 'secondary harm.' Condolences and funerals are choices made voluntarily. Regardless of the reason, the position of any politician or individual who says 'I will not offer condolences' should be respected."

Earlier, Mayor Park was found dead near Sukjeongmun Gate on Bukaksan Mountain in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, at 12:01 a.m. on the 10th. The funeral procedures for Mayor Park will conclude on the 13th, and the memorial service will be held online from 8:30 a.m. at the Seoul City Hall Multipurpose Hall.