Yoon, on criticism that "the nation is indifferent to its martyrs," says "It's like a nouveau riche family"

Visiting Seodaemun Independence Park and Hyochang Park on Gwangbokjeol
Encountered Sohn Hak-kyu by chance and asked for "Guidance, Please"

People Power Party's presidential pre-candidate Yoon Seok-yeol visited the Independence Hall at Seodaemun Independence Park in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 15th and is having a conversation with the Association of Bereaved Families of Patriotic Martyrs. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate from the People Power Party, on the 15th likened the claim by the Association of Bereaved Families of Patriotic Martyrs that "the state is completely indifferent to the memorial ceremony for patriotic martyrs, which is a pitiful situation" to "a family that suddenly only makes a lot of money" when talking about a household.

On the same day, marking the 76th anniversary of Liberation Day, Yoon visited the burial grounds within Hyochang Park. He paid respects in order at Uiyeolsa, where portraits of the martyrs are enshrined, the grave of Baekbeom Kim Gu, the 'Three Martyrs' burial site where Yun Bong-gil and others are buried, and the 'Provisional Government Leaders' burial site where Lee Dong-nyeong and others are interred.

At the site, Yoon told a representative of the Association of Bereaved Families of Patriotic Martyrs, "It is shameful, like a family that does not consider its history or culture at all."

He then told reporters, "I have resolved to honor their will by building a stronger and more robust nation of the people."

At Uiyeolsa, Yoon unexpectedly met Sohn Hak-kyu, former leader of the Bareunmirae Party, and called him "Representative" as he ran over to shake hands. When Sohn asked him to "work hard for national unity," Yoon bowed his head and said, "I ask for your many teachings."

Earlier, before visiting Hyochang Park, Yoon privately visited Seodaemun Independence Park in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. In the guestbook, he wrote, "I will steadfastly uphold the proud spirit of the Republic of Korea, built upon the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs who regained our national sovereignty."

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung also visited Seodaemun Independence Park around the same time. However, their paths did not cross.

Previously, Yoon posted on social media, "The collapsed fairness and common sense, ideology-centered policies that ignore the vulnerable, and factional logic that prioritizes camps over the people's lives are driving the people to the edge," adding "I will restart from common sense. If it is a matter of normalizing the country, I am prepared to take one step at a time, no matter how difficult or painful the path. I will not forget my mission," as his Liberation Day message.