[Jeon Du-hwan Death] Desolate Funeral Hall, Cold Political Circle... Park Cheol-eon "We Must Let Go of Painful History and Forgive"

Ban Ki-moon "Unfortunate events in history must never happen again"
Hong Joon-pyo "Many oppose condolence visits, but I will pray for the deceased"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The atmosphere at the funeral hall of former President Jeon Du-hwan remained bleak for the second day. Political figures, conscious of public opinion ahead of the presidential election, have been reluctant to pay their respects. On the morning of the day, only non-active politicians such as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee, former Minister Park Cheol-eon, and Kim Yong-gap, former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs during Jeon Du-hwan's administration, visited the funeral hall.

At 9 a.m. on the 24th, mainly ordinary citizens and former political figures were occasionally seen at the funeral hall of the former president at Seoul Sinchon Severance Hospital. Former Secretary-General Ban said, "While serving in public office (UN Secretary-General), I met him frequently both directly and indirectly," recalling their connection. He added, "I came to pay my respects thinking that such unfortunate events in history should never happen again." Former Senior Secretary Kim gathered reporters and said, "Since a former president has passed away, no matter how much bad things he did to the people, shouldn't the people show some tolerance?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Minister Park, who served as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs during Jeon Du-hwan's administration, also met with reporters after paying respects, saying, "As a secretary, I cannot help but mention that there were unpublished achievements of the former president during his tenure," emphasizing, "I hope that all the dark and painful histories are now left behind, and that all our people forgive, reconcile, and move forward toward the future."

Following the previous day, the political circles remained reserved in their actions and statements regarding the former president's death. The Blue House did not send a wreath, while wreaths from former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak were placed at the funeral hall. The ruling party decided not to send either condolences or wreaths. In the opposition, some lawmakers including Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader, and Park Dae-chul and Hwang Bo-seung-hee expressed condolences through wreaths. Floor leader Kim is scheduled to visit the funeral hall in person that afternoon.

The four presidential candidates also stated they would not express condolences. Hong Jun-pyo, a prominent People Power Party candidate, said on the ‘Youth Dream’ platform when asked if he would visit the funeral, "I was going to go, but there is overwhelming opposition. I will accept that opinion," adding, "However, I will pray for the deceased's soul."