[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited the funeral hall of the late former President Roh Tae-woo, cited former President Jeon Du-hwan as an example of a case where respect cannot be given to a former head of state, stating, "We plan to amend the law so that such people cannot be given a state funeral."
On the 27th, after visiting the funeral hall set up at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to pay respects to the late former President Roh, Song responded to reporters' questions about his opposition to a state funeral for the late president by saying, "The issue with former President Jeon is even bigger than with former President Roh."
He continued, "Former President Jeon, who was convicted of the crime of murder for the purpose of rebellion, still does not show remorse and is damaging the honor of Gwangju while undergoing trial," adding, "Since the facts of the crime of murder for the purpose of rebellion and the Supreme Court's ruling have not been nullified, respect cannot be given to a former head of state."
Regarding former President Roh, he explained, "President Moon Jae-in also acknowledged Roh's faults, but since he contributed greatly to national economic development through the 1988 Olympics and northern diplomacy, the State Council decided on a state funeral."
Song expressed regret about former President Roh, saying, "I wish he had visited Gwangju during his lifetime to offer an official apology and take actions to heal the wounds," but added, "He indirectly expressed a deep hope for forgiveness regarding his faults, and I believe the image of his son, lawyer Roh Jae-heon, visiting the Mangwol Cemetery every year to seek forgiveness was moving."
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