At Roh Tae-woo's Funeral, Hwang Kyo-ahn's Gaffe: "President Roh Moo-hyun Opened the Path to Democratization..."

Correction After Statement: "Subject Was Incorrectly Stated"

Former Future United Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn visited the funeral hall of former President Roh Tae-woo set up at Seoul National University Hospital on the 27th to pay his respects and responded to reporters' questions afterward. /Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Former Future United Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn made a gaffe on the 27th after paying respects at the funeral hall of the late former President Roh Tae-woo, saying, "Former President Roh Moo-hyun opened the path to democratization through the June 29 Declaration."

Former leader Hwang made this remark while speaking with reporters at the funeral hall set up for former President Roh at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, in the morning. After being corrected, he said, "I used the wrong subject," and amended his statement.

Regarding former President Roh, Hwang said, "After becoming president, he expanded our country's horizons through the Northern Policy," adding, "There are various merits and demerits before that, but I think this itself should be evaluated."

He continued, "I express my deep condolences on his passing, and I will do my best to carry on this spirit and build the proud Republic of Korea we have dreamed of."

Regarding the decision to hold former President Roh's funeral as a 'state funeral,' Hwang said, "I think it should be honored nationally," and added, "I believe it is also meaningful as an opportunity for the people to look back on history."

Former President Roh passed away on the afternoon of the previous day (26th) due to an underlying illness. He had been bedridden for a long time due to rare diseases such as cerebellar atrophy and asthma, and although he was recently hospitalized due to worsening symptoms, he ultimately passed away.

The government decided through a Cabinet meeting on the same day to hold former President Roh's funeral as a state funeral. However, according to the law, he will not be interred in the National Cemetery.