Representative Lee Nak-yeon and Chairman Kim Jong-in also paid their respects on the 26th... Ruling and opposition presidential candidates also paid respects "A star of an era"
[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] Following the news of the passing of Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, the Blue House and political circles from both ruling and opposition parties moved swiftly. On the 26th, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, planned to visit Chairman Lee’s funeral hall in the morning and afternoon respectively to pay their respects. Earlier, on the 25th, Presidential Secretary No Young-min met with Chairman Lee’s family to personally deliver President Moon Jae-in’s condolence message.
In particular, President Moon emphasized the positive impact Chairman Lee had on the Korean economy by using expressions such as “innovative leadership” and “driving force of economic growth.”
President Moon said, “I deeply mourn the passing of Chairman Lee Kun-hee, a symbol of Korean business circles,” adding, “The leadership he demonstrated will serve as a great example and encouragement to our companies facing economic difficulties due to COVID-19, helping them overcome the crisis and challenge the future.” The president’s message was released through Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok, and a wreath in President Moon’s name was delivered to the funeral hall.
On the 26th, at the entrance of the funeral hall of Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, reporters are covering mourners visiting the funeral of the late Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Group. Photo by Joint Press Corps
On the 26th, both ruling and opposition parties expressed their condolences during their leadership meetings while reflecting on Chairman Lee’s contributions to the Korean economy. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, “Chairman Lee grew Samsung into a top-tier global company through challenge, innovation, and talent management,” and added, “He instilled national pride and a global DNA that a domestic number one company can become the world’s number one.”
Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in told reporters that day, “When it comes to Chairman Lee, he greatly contributed to raising Samsung Electronics’ global status, making it a representative brand of Korea,” and said, “I will visit the funeral in the afternoon.”
Earlier, on the 25th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, “The corporate history of Chairman Lee, who raised not only Samsung but also Korea’s status high in the world, will be remembered by future generations.” Joo plans to pay his respects separately from Chairman Kim.
Presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties also expressed their condolences regarding Chairman Lee’s passing. Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province, called Chairman Lee “a star of an era” after paying respects on the 25th.
Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, expressed his condolences on the 25th, saying, “Chairman Lee challenged the barren land of Korea with entrepreneurial spirit and built Samsung Electronics into a global leading company.”
Won Hee-ryong, governor of Jeju Province, also said that day, “(Chairman Lee) was a figure who instilled confidence and a spirit of challenge in us through innovation aimed at top-tier and ultra-gap leadership,” adding, “Our ability to see the world broadly and far was thanks to the shoulders of a giant.”
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