Controversy Over State Funeral and Public Evaluation Remains
Lee Soon-ja, Wife of Jeon Du-hwan, Also Pays Condolences
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the second day of the funeral for the late former President Roh Tae-woo on the 28th, visitors from various sectors continued to pay their respects at the funeral hall set up at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Evaluations of former President Roh's achievements and shortcomings were also ongoing.
Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the National Climate and Environment Council, visited the funeral hall of former President Roh Tae-woo at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 28th to pay his respects and answered reporters' questions afterward. 2021. 10. 28. Photo by Joint Press Corps
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the funeral hall that morning. After paying his respects, Ban told reporters, “When former President Roh was in office, he served as the Director of the Americas,” and added, “From a diplomat’s perspective, he was someone who greatly expanded South Korea’s diplomatic horizons.” Regarding the state funeral, he said, “It was a well-made decision. It was a fitting honor,” and added, “Every president has things they did well and things they did poorly in hindsight. Considering the current political reality in our country, extreme confrontation is not desirable.”
On the 28th, Sing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, is entering the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to pay respects to the late President Roh Tae-woo. 211028. (Photo by Joint Press Corps)
Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming also paid his respects. In the guestbook, Ambassador Xing wrote, “Former President Roh’s contributions to the establishment and development of China-Korea relations will shine forever.” Speaking to reporters, the ambassador said, “Former President Roh was a long-time friend of China who made the decisive move to establish diplomatic relations between China and Korea,” and added, “His sudden passing is deeply sorrowful.”
Taeyoung-ho, a member of the People Power Party, also visited the funeral hall. Representative Tae said, “I believe former President Roh was the only person who fundamentally persuaded the North Korean authorities to change their policies,” and called him “a president with foresight.” Regarding the controversy over the state funeral, he stated, “All leaders have their achievements and faults,” and added, “I hope that through this opportunity, South Korea can heal the pains of the past and move forward as an advanced country.”
On the same day, Lee Soon-ja, wife of former President Chun Doo-hwan, also paid her respects around 1:53 p.m. Former Presidents Chun and Roh were classmates at the Korea Military Academy and, after the December 12 military coup that brought Chun to power, they established themselves as the top leader and second-in-command. After paying her respects, Mrs. Lee left under the protection of security personnel and did not respond to any questions from the press.
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