Pianist Baek Geon-woo Visits Lee Kun-hee's Funeral Hall... "Feels Like Losing My Father" Tears

Cultural and Artistic Figures Pay Respects at Chairman Lee Kun-hee's Funeral Hall

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Pianist Baek Gun-woo visited the funeral hall at Samsung Seoul Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Chairman Lee Kun-hee's resting place was set up, around 1:45 PM on the 27th and paid his respects for about 10 minutes.

Meeting with the press, Mr. Baek shed tears, saying, "It feels like I have lost my father." When asked by reporters if he had any message for Chairman Lee Kun-hee, he said, "I love you..." but could not continue.

Mr. Baek, recognized as a performer who has achieved a unique level in interpreting Romantic and French Impressionist music, received the Ho-Am Prize in the Arts category in 2000. The Ho-Am Prize is awarded to those who have illuminated science, humanities, and arts in Korea, established by Chairman Lee Kun-hee in honor of his father, Ho-Am Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung.

Violinist Jung Kyung-hwa, who won the Ho-Am Prize in 2011, also visited Chairman Lee Kun-hee's resting place at 11:16 AM that day. Ms. Jung recalled, "Chairman Lee was a great master and gave confidence to this country," adding, "No matter where you go internationally, he gave us the confidence to say, 'I am Korean.'"

Regarding Chairman Lee's wife, former Leeum Museum Director Hong Ra-hee, she said, "She has supported music a lot for over 10 years, and we communicate well through music," and conveyed, "I deeply feel gratitude toward Chairman Lee and comforted that Director Hong has taken good care of him."

In addition, world-renowned pianist Cho Seong-jin also paid respects at the resting place around 11:15 AM. Mr. Cho did not make any further remarks. Actress Youn Yuh-jung also arrived at the funeral hall around 11 AM to mourn the deceased.