News of the Passing of Late Lee Kun-hee... Ruling and Opposition Parties Offer Mixed Evaluations Amid Mourning (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Won Dara] On the 25th, both ruling and opposition parties rushed to issue condolence messages following the news of the passing of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee. While the opposition mainly praised his achievements, the ruling party pointed out issues such as collusion between business and politics and no-labor-union management, showing contrasting views.

Heo Young, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a statement that day, "Chairman Lee was a key figure who led Samsung's global leap and laid the cornerstone for the growth of the Korean economy," but also evaluated, "Although he received dazzling spotlight, his life was a tumultuous journey of glory and disgrace."

Heo added, "As he said, Samsung aspired to be a top-tier company, but the process was sometimes extralegal," and "The negative legacies he left, such as work allocation for succession of management rights, unfair internal transactions, collusion between business and politics, and no-labor-union management, are historical tasks our society must resolve."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, also wrote on his Facebook, "I express my deep condolences on the passing of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee," and said, "However, it cannot be denied that he had a negative impact by strengthening the chaebol-centered economic structure and not recognizing labor unions," adding, "He also left shadows such as opaque governance, tax evasion, and collusion between business and politics."

Lee said, "His innovative leadership and indomitable spirit of challenge should be emulated in any era and field. I hope Samsung breaks the wrong chains of the past and is reborn anew," and "I quietly reflect on the light and shadow of the deceased and offer my sincere condolences."

Jung Ho-jin, chief spokesperson for the Justice Party, also said, "Chairman Lee left a dark history in Korean society through extralegal management such as collusion between business and politics and no-labor-union management. And that shadow has continued to Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong," adding, "Now, I hope Samsung becomes a company among the people that takes on chaebol reform by erasing the shadow of that dark history."

On the 25th, the day Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung Group, passed away, the flag at the Samsung Electronics building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was fluttering in the wind. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

On the other hand, the opposition focused on evaluating his economic achievements. Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in an oral statement that day, "I pray for the repose of Chairman Lee, who led the Korean economy, and offer sincere condolences to the bereaved family and employees," and praised him as "a pioneer who raised the pride of the people."

He emphasized, "The deceased laid the foundation for Samsung to become the world's number one global company in advanced fields such as semiconductors and mobile phones, and was a pioneer who raised the pride of the people," and "The bone-cutting efforts he showed in his lifetime for a world-class company and the innovation mindset of 'Change everything except your wife and children' have been exemplary across all fields."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader, called him "a giant of the Korean economy," and said, "The corporate history of Chairman Lee, who raised not only Samsung but also Korea's status in the world, will be remembered by future generations."

The People’s Party also mourned the deceased through spokesperson Ahn Hye-jin’s oral statement, saying, "A great star in the economic world has set," and "The achievements the deceased contributed to the Korean economy during his lifetime were by no means small."