Political Sphere Divided Over Roh Tae-woo's State Funeral... Cheong Emphasizes "National Unity"

Lee Cheol-hee Senior Secretary for Political Affairs "Sympathize with Some Citizens' Discomfort and Inappropriate Criticism
Intended to Contribute to National Unity and Harmony"

Opposition Within Ruling Party
Opposition Party Views It as a Rational Decision

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Jeon Jin-young] On the 28th, there was ongoing debate in the political sphere over whether the government's decision to hold a state funeral for the late former President Roh Tae-woo was appropriate.

First, the Blue House stated that this decision was made with national unity in mind and is a separate issue from the evaluation of the late former President Roh. Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, said in a CBS radio interview that morning, "I fully understand that those who have not yet forgiven in their hearts feel uncomfortable and point out that holding a state funeral is inappropriate," but added, "Since President Moon Jae-in is a human rights lawyer and a democratization activist, it is understandable that a president with such a background would take this measure thinking it would contribute to national unity and harmony." He also said, "Holding a state funeral does not mean that the historical or national evaluation of this person is concluded."

Regarding the perspective that connects this case to former President Chun Doo-hwan, who shares historical faults with the late former President Roh, Lee drew a clear line. He said, "In the case of former President Chun Doo-hwan, I think a state funeral or burial in a national cemetery is not worth considering at all. It is a completely different case." This is because the late former President Roh left a will asking for forgiveness, and his family members also showed apologies related to the May 18 Gwangju incident.

However, there is also clear opposition within the ruling party. Yoon Gun-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a radio interview that morning, "There was a military coup and many people were harmed because of it. I think their wounds should be respected," adding, "I regret that a family funeral was not strongly pursued instead of a state funeral." Democratic Party lawmakers from the Gwangju region issued a statement the day before opposing the state funeral, saying, "We cannot accept the honor of a state funeral while historical condemnation is not yet complete." Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, also joined the criticism, calling it a "hasty decision."

The opposition party holds the position that the state funeral decision is reasonable. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, said to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting that morning, "Since he was the main figure in the December 12 incident, politicians' actions have been cautious despite the condolence atmosphere. There was also recent political debate over former President Chun Doo-hwan," and added, "I believe President Moon considered various dimensions." Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, after paying respects at the funeral hall that morning, said, "I think it was a proper honor."