[Jeon Du-hwan Death] 'Quiet Funeral Hall' Sparse Politicians Also Refrain from Historical Evaluation

Joo Ho-young "Found through Special Minister Connection"
Kim Jin-tae "Thought it would be quiet, so visiting would ease my mind"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] At the funeral hall of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan, condolences from current and former politicians came intermittently, but the politicians emphasized that their visits were in a personal capacity and avoided political interpretations.

On the 24th, Joo Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party, after paying respects at the funeral hall set up at Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, told reporters, "I came to pray for his soul as he passed away," adding, "I visited him several times during my tenure as a special minister, and also met him several times when he came to Daegu, so I came to the funeral hall."

When asked about the historical evaluation of the late former president, Representative Joo said, "That is the work of history," and added, "But since he has passed away, I just pray for his soul." Regarding the decision of People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol and others not to pay respects, he said, "I don't think it's something I should comment on."

Before Representative Joo, the only person who visited the funeral hall was Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the People Power Party and the former son-in-law of the late former president.

Earlier, former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jin-tae, after paying respects, told reporters, "The bereaved family said they were grateful that people came. They said it must have taken great courage to come this far, but I didn't say much," he introduced. When asked for an evaluation of the late former president, he evaded the question, saying, "Since I came to honor the deceased, it doesn't seem appropriate to say such things." Regarding reporters' questions about why candidate Yoon and others did not pay respects, Kim said, "Everyone must have their own thoughts," and added, "I just thought it would be too quiet here, so I came because I felt it would be more comfortable to visit like this."