Busy Chairman Lee Kun-hee's Funeral Hall... Visits from Political and Business Figures Continue (Comprehensive)

Visits from Politicians Including Ban Ki-moon, Chung Sye-kyun, Lee Nak-yon, and Kim Jong-in
Business Leaders Such as Sohn Kyung-shik, Park Yong-man, Chung Eui-sun, and Cho Won-tae Also Pay Respects One After Another

Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung

[Asia Economy Reporters Changhwan Lee, Dongwoo Lee, Gimin Lee] On the second day of the funeral for Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee on the 26th, the funeral hall set up at Samsung Medical Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, has been continuously visited by political and business figures.

Visits to the funeral hall have been nonstop from politicians, business leaders, heads of various organizations, and CEOs.

Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the National Climate and Environment Council, who visited the funeral hall in the afternoon, stated that during his time as UN Secretary-General, he felt the national prestige rise because Samsung existed.

He said, "The deceased had a high insight looking into the future and, under the banner of innovation, had a bold spirit of challenge that developed Samsung into a world-class company." He added, "While working in the international community, I always associate Samsung with Korea, and Korea with Samsung, which has greatly elevated our national prestige. We consider this a great source of pride."

Chairman Ban expressed condolences to the bereaved family, saying, "It is regrettable that such a great star has passed away at a time when everyone is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic." He also recalled the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics bid, saying, "Chairman Lee Kun-hee was very active as an IOC member at the time, and many IOC members listened and contributed greatly. I am grateful for that," introducing his connection with Chairman Lee during the bid.

On the morning of the 26th, reporters are covering mourners visiting the funeral hall entrance of Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, paying their respects to the late Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Group. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Earlier, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said, "He was a person who left truly remarkable achievements as a second-generation business leader." Prime Minister Chung added, "I think he can be called the second founder of the global top-tier Samsung."

He continued, "He raised the status of South Korea's economy through semiconductors and various products and contributed significantly to creating national wealth and many jobs." He expressed condolences for his passing and gratitude for his achievements.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Chairman Lee's decisiveness and drive created today's global top-tier company Samsung," adding, "That is why the semiconductor myth was possible. I believe so."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is entering the funeral hall set up at Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 26th to pay his respects at the late Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Group's, funeral. / Photo by Joint Press Corps

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The deceased raised the nation's status and people's pride through innovative leadership," and added, "I hope Samsung will leap forward even more."

Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, also visited the funeral hall and said Chairman Lee made a great contribution to raising Korea's status in the international community. Kim said, "When I was economic secretary, I met him often," emphasizing, "Since the 1990s, looking at our country's industries overall, he made Samsung Electronics' semiconductors and smartphones into world-class brands with remarkable achievements."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is entering the funeral hall set up at Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 26th to pay respects at the late Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Group./Photo by Joint Press Corps

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "He is someone who makes us proud to be Korean." Joo said, "Personally, I have no close ties, but I know that the deceased was born in Daegu and that I have visited Samsung Sanghoe a few times," adding, "He practically re-founded Samsung Group through creative and innovative management, making all Koreans proud worldwide, so I came to pay my respects."

Kim Hwang-sik, former Prime Minister and currently chairman of both the Samsung Ho-am Foundation and Samsung Culture Foundation, said, "I was prime minister during the Pyeongchang Olympics and worked with Chairman Lee on the bid efforts," adding, "He gave the people pride through his great achievements." Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming, Turkish Ambassador Ersin Er?in, and U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris also visited the funeral hall to express condolences on behalf of their governments.

Visits from business leaders continued.

Son Kyung-sik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, visited the funeral hall in the afternoon and told the bereaved family, "I asked them to lead Samsung well." When asked by reporters about his connection with the late Chairman Lee, Son replied, "I worked at Samsung, so we knew each other well." He recalled, "He was a very thoughtful person who made successful decisions with a solid background in important decision-making."

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun is entering the funeral hall at Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee's wake is being held on the morning of the 26th. 2020. 10. 26

Jung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, visited the funeral hall in the morning to express his condolences. Jung said, "It is regrettable that such a great person has passed away," and added, "I am grateful that he instilled a strong number one spirit in all sectors of our country's economy."

Jung also expressed positive expectations about changes in Samsung Group under the future 'Lee Jae-yong system.' He said, "I expect there will be significant positive changes in various ways." Regarding memories with Chairman Lee, he recalled, "I always remember him being warm and kind."

Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin Group, said, "I feel deeply saddened to have lost a great person." When leaving the funeral hall, Cho answered reporters' questions about his connection with the deceased, saying, "I have never actually met him." He added that he only briefly greeted the bereaved family at the funeral hall. When asked about Samsung's future, Cho replied, "I think they just need to continue as they have been."

The day before, visits were made by Lee Jae-hyun, chairman of CJ Group and nephew of Chairman Lee, Chung Mong-yoon, chairman of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, Chung Mong-kyu, chairman of HDC, and Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province. President Moon Jae-in also sent Chief Secretary Noh Young-min and Economic Secretary Lee Ho-seung to express condolences.

Chairman Lee's funeral will be held over four days, with the departure ceremony scheduled for the morning of the 28th. The burial site is reported to be in Yongin Seonyeong.