Lee Cheol-hee Cheong Senior Secretary "Jeon Du-hwan State Funeral Not Worth Considering"

State Funeral Decision Means National Unity, Not Historical Evaluation... "President Moon and Candidate Lee Jae-myung Did Not Discuss Presidential Election"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the morning of the 28th, "Some people mention former President Jeon Du-hwan, but we see it as a completely different case," adding, "We believe that a state funeral or even burial in the National Cemetery is not worth considering at all."

In the case of the late former President Roh Tae-woo, he left a will asking for forgiveness, and his bereaved family showed an apologetic attitude regarding the May 18 incident, which is different from the case of former President Jeon.

Lee said, "Just because a state funeral is held does not mean that the historical or public evaluation of this person is concluded," explaining, "(The decision on a state funeral) might contribute to national unity or harmony and inclusion."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee also pointed out that there is no other option besides a state funeral. He said, "Right now, there is no funeral other than a state funeral. It would be good if there were distinctions like state funeral or social funeral, but since there is only one category, the range of choices is very limited, which is regrettable."

Meanwhile, regarding the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, Lee responded to the host's question, "Did you talk about election-related matters at all?" by saying, "Not even 0.1%."

Lee said, "When someone becomes a candidate of a major party, aren't they someone who will lead the country? Isn't it good for such people to meet and avoid controversial issues while worrying about state affairs and the people? I have that kind of thought."

Lee added, "The opposition party also has a candidate decided, so if they request to meet the president for such and such reasons, we will actively consider it."