"Red," "Here to Take Photos" Kim Jong-in Faces Protest and Insults at Park Chung-hee Memorial Ceremony

Some Conservative Supporters Protest "What Will You Do If You Abandon Conservatism?"
Chairman Kim Leaves Event Without Responding

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is leaving the venue without offering flowers or incense due to schedule constraints after attending the 41st anniversary memorial service for the late former President Park Chung-hee held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 26th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, attended the 41st memorial service for former President Park Chung-hee on the 26th but faced strong protests from some attendees.

Kim, along with Party Floor Leader Joo Ho-young and Secretary-General Jeong Yang-seok, attended the memorial service held at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. They wore black suits, white gloves, and masks, with mourning ribbons pinned to their chests.

Former National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee, who delivered the memorial address, said, "The key figures who directly served former President Park and created the Miracle on the Han River have almost all passed away," expressing mixed emotions.

He continued, "Despite all the slanders and insults, the Park Chung-hee era is deeply engraved not only in our country but also in 20th-century world history."

He added, "Those in power, consumed by hatred and revenge, are trying to erase the memories of modern history. To do so, they have divided the people and seized all institutional power," urging, "Before it collapses any further, let us gather all opportunities and strength to save the country." As the memorial address ended, applause broke out around, but Kim and Floor Leader Joo silently listened without clapping.

After the memorial address concluded, Kim turned to leave. However, as he was exiting the cemetery, some attendees believed to be supporters of former President Park Geun-hye raised their voices toward Kim, shouting "Step down," and "Don't ruin conservatism."

Among some supporters, loud shouts and insults such as "Red," "Did you come to take a photo with former President Park?" and "Please release President Park Geun-hye" were heard.

Conservative YouTubers and others filmed Kim while protesting, saying, "You said to abandon conservatism, but what will you do if you abandon conservatism?" This is interpreted as backlash against Kim’s moves to adopt progressive values-based party principles and policies, such as introducing a basic income system and improving platform workers' treatment, during the party reform process after the April 15 general election.

Kim did not respond to these protests and left the venue, then moved by car.