Yoo Yeong-deok and Jo O-seop Oppose State Funeral Honors and National Cemetery Burial for Roh Tae-woo

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 26th, Democratic Party lawmakers Yoon Young-duk and Cho Oh-seop announced their opposition to the state funeral honors and burial in the National Cemetery for former President Roh Tae-woo following his passing.

At a press conference held that afternoon, the two lawmakers stated, "As one of the responsible parties for the May massacre and with historical judgment not yet concluded, a former president should not be accorded state funeral honors or be buried in the National Cemetery solely based on their former presidential status."

They explained, "The State Funeral Act aims to contribute to national unity by conducting funerals with dignity and solemnity for those who have left remarkable meritorious service to the nation or society and are revered by the people," adding, "The National Cemetery is intended to enshrine and honor those who have sacrificed and contributed to the nation or society, commemorating their loyalty and distinguished achievements."

They continued, "Former President Roh was the second-in-command of the new military regime that seized power through the December 12 military coup and, along with Chun Doo-hwan, was one of the responsible parties for violently suppressing the May 18 Democratic Movement," emphasizing, "He is a serious criminal who was sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Supreme Court on charges including rebellion ringleader, treason ringleader, murder for the purpose of rebellion, and bribery."

Furthermore, they stated, "If the usurper and responsible party for the massacre, who has not offered sincere apologies and repentance to Gwangju and the people, is given a state funeral and buried in the National Cemetery, it would be impossible to speak of democracy and justice in the Republic of Korea to future generations," stressing, "As lawmakers who have jointly proposed amendments to the State Funeral Act and the National Cemetery Act, we assert that there can be no state funeral or burial in the National Cemetery for a former president whose historical judgment remains unresolved."