Foreign Media Report Former President No Tae-woo's Obituary... Highlights 'Northern Diplomacy and Coup' Aspects

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Foreign media reported the obituary of former President Roh Tae-woo on the 26th.

The New York Times (NYT) introduced the life of former President Roh and announced his passing. The NYT article titled "Former President Roh, who led South Korea to democratization, dies at 88," described him as a figure with a mixed legacy, participating in the ruthless suppression of citizens demanding democratization during the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement and later helping to bring the 1988 Seoul Olympics to the city.

AP News reported on former President Roh's death, introducing him as the person who, in December 12, 1979, used the troops under his command to enter Seoul. It also reviewed the military's brutal suppression during the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the June 29 Declaration in 1987, which announced the direct presidential election system. After leaving office, he was imprisoned on bribery charges related to slush funds and later pardoned, highlighting the ups and downs of his life.

Japanese media such as Kyodo News evaluated former President Roh's tenure, noting his northern diplomacy efforts during which South Korea, in the post-Cold War era, established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, China, and others.

In addition, France, China, Russia, and other countries also reported on former President Roh's passing.