Justice Party "Oppose State Funeral for No Tae-woo... Will Not Attend Condolences"

Ye Young-guk, Representative: "No Clumsy Compromise on Democracy"
"I Will Not Join the Funeral Committee Formed by the Moon Jae-in Government"

Jeong Yeong-guk, leader of the Justice Party, speaking [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The Justice Party strongly opposed the decision to hold a state funeral for former President Roh Tae-woo. They also emphasized that they would not have their names listed on the "Funeral Committee" organized by the Moon Jae-in administration.

On the 28th, Representative Yeo Young-guk stated at the Executive Committee meeting held at the National Assembly, "Former President Roh Tae-woo is a serious criminal convicted under the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Korea for rebellion leader, participation in rebellion conspiracy, engagement in important rebellion duties, illegal advance and retreat, desertion from command martial law area, murder of superior officer, attempted murder of superior officer, murder of sentry, leader of insurrection, participation in insurrection conspiracy, engagement in important insurrection duties, and murder for insurrection purposes," expressing this position.

Representative Yeo criticized, "For the state to hold a funeral for a person who killed citizens and overthrew the state is to overturn the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea belonging to the people and the republican system where all power comes from the people."

He pointed out, "Some argue that he should be evaluated differently because he is different from Jeon Du-hwan, but Jeon Du-hwan is not the standard of democracy." He continued, "He was a person who trampled on democracy and strangled its lifeline," adding, "Comparing him to Jeon Du-hwan and saying he is different is an insult to the citizens who have protected democracy and a mockery of democracy."

The Justice Party strongly declared their intention not to pay respects at the former president’s funeral hall.

Representative Yeo said, "We will not have our names listed on the Funeral Committee organized by the Moon Jae-in administration," adding, "We cannot make a clumsy compromise over democracy."

He further stated, "The image of Germany recently putting a 96-year-old man who worked as a secretary and typist 80 years ago on trial for aiding the Nazis should be our aspiration," emphasizing, "Only then can we overcome the past and move toward the future. That is historical progress and politics of national unity."