President Moon: "I pray for the repose of former President Roh Tae-woo... Condolences to the bereaved family"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung and Park Juni] President Moon Jae-in expressed his condolences on the passing of former President Roh Tae-woo on the 27th, saying, "I pray for the repose of the deceased," and "I also extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family." On the same day, President Moon held a multilateral summit in the afternoon and departed for a European tour on the 28th. Chief of Staff Yoo Young-min and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Cheol-hee visited the funeral hall on his behalf.

After paying respects, Chief of Staff Yoo told reporters, "The President said he prays for the repose of the deceased and extends his deepest condolences to the bereaved family."

He added, "The President tried to adjust his schedule, but the summit meetings continue in the afternoon, and he is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) summit," and "He asked me to visit on his behalf to offer condolences due to unavoidable circumstances." Since President Moon's return date is after November, it seems difficult for him to attend the funeral during the mourning period.

Regarding the decision to hold the funeral of former President Roh as a state funeral amid ongoing opposition, Chief of Staff Yoo explained, "There are considerable faults and merits, and public opinion varies," and "Taking all these aspects into consideration, the decision was made to hold a state funeral following the procedures and approval by the Cabinet meeting."