Lee Hae-chan "Park Won-soon, a Symbol of Civic Activism... A Pure and Very Modest Person"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, referred to Park Won-soon at the funeral ceremony as a "symbol of the civic movement," saying, "The path he walked and the achievements he made, from human rights lawyer to civic activist to Mayor of Seoul, are immense."

On the morning of the 13th, Lee attended the funeral ceremony for Mayor Park held at Seoul City Hall and said, "My friend Park Won-soon lived alongside me for 40 years," adding, "Many people deeply mourn the farewell to human rights lawyer, civic activist, and Mayor Park Won-soon. It is truly sorrowful and heartbreaking."

Lee recalled anecdotes about Mayor Park. He said, "The Park Won-soon I knew was a truly passionate person," and continued, "When he was a first-year university student, he participated in a memorial service for martyr Kim Sang-jin and had to leave school. Afterwards, he gave up becoming a prosecutor and returned to being a human rights lawyer within a year." He added, "Under the military regime, he showed courage and passion by taking on political cases. After democratization in 1987, human rights lawyer Park Won-soon paved the difficult path of civic activism. Civic activist Park Won-soon is represented by organizations like People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Beautiful Store, but broadly speaking, he is also a symbol of the civic movement in Korean society," emphasizing his impact.

He also shared a conversation from when Park ran for Mayor of Seoul. Lee said, "In 2011, I received a call from him while he was at Jirisan. He asked me, ‘There is the Seoul mayoral election; what should I do?’ I told him, ‘Shave your beard and come down by tomorrow.’" He continued, "Like his nickname ‘Kind Wonsun,’ as the head of Seoul City, he worked passionately for the citizens as a friend and a down-to-earth neighbor-like mayor," and concluded, "My longtime friend Mayor Park Won-soon, you truly worked hard your entire life."

Finally, Lee said, "The path he walked and the achievements he made from human rights lawyer to Mayor of Seoul are immense. Because he was as pure and modest as he was passionate, his final journey is deeply painful and sorrowful," adding, "Now, the remaining tasks are entrusted to those who follow, and I hope he rests in peace." He also said, "I will help ensure that the Seoul city administration you worked so hard for is not damaged."