[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, expressed regret on the 27th regarding the decision to hold the funeral of the late former President Roh Tae-woo as a state funeral, calling it a "thoughtless decision."
Sim released a statement that day saying, "Reasons for mitigation cannot override principles."
He stated, "I understand the attitude of evaluating the positive achievements of the deceased during his presidency as they are and intending to give the utmost respect," but added, "However, it is a historically proven fact through judicial evidence that the deceased, along with Jeon Du-hwan, led the national rebellion and committed the May 18 Gwangju massacre."
He continued, "Saying that the funeral of former President Roh will be held as a state funeral because there is no regulation to revoke state funeral honors for a former president who committed the crime of rebellion goes against common sense and forgets the weight of history and the wounds of May," emphasizing, "The decision to hold a state funeral for the deceased will confuse our people's values about 'what the nation is.'"
He added, "I am concerned that today's decision, based on inadequate understanding, may become another stain on the democracy achieved through blood," and "It is appropriate to respect the deceased's wishes and hold the funeral simply and quietly."
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