Jeon Yeo-ok Shows Discomfort at the Title 'Mr. Jeon Du-hwan' "Calling Him 'Chairman Kim Jong-un'... It's Not Respectful"

Jeon Yeo-ok Shares Past Reporter Experiences
"Jeon Du-hwan's Life, Full of Turmoil... Whether a Saint or a Villain, One Should Refrain from Speaking in the Face of Death"

Jeon Yeo-ok, former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker Jeon Yeo-ok expressed discomfort at referring to former President Jeon Du-hwan as "Mr. Jeon Du-hwan."

On the 24th, Jeon posted on her Facebook, "In my twenties, I cursed President Jeon Du-hwan. Because he trampled on the opportunity for democratization that arose after President Park Chung-hee's death. My heart was devastated during that time," she began.

Jeon revealed that during her time as a KBS reporter, while on an assignment, a driver she met for the first time once frowned and said it was "uncomfortable to hear" when she was cursing former President Jeon Du-hwan.

According to her recollection, the driver said, "Reporters may see it that way, but I served him in the military," adding, "He put an end to the embezzlement of military rations like red pepper powder and chicken. The meals were more plentiful than what we ate at home. If a subordinate made a mistake, he took full responsibility and protected them, and his leadership was so outstanding that all the soldiers under him found it easy to work."

Jeon said, "Ah, I realized people can feel that way," and added, "The life of former President Jeon Du-hwan was tumultuous. His death makes me and us think deeply."

Former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker Jeon Yeo-ok posted on her Facebook on the 24th, expressing condolences for former President Chun Doo-hwan. Photo by Jeon, former lawmaker (Facebook capture)

She continued, "From 'Mass murderer Jeon Du-hwan dies,' 'Mr. Jeon Du-hwan dies,' to 'Former President Jeon Du-hwan passes away,' the media expresses the death of President Jeon Du-hwan through their 'camp logic,'" and argued, "I believe that whether a person is a saint or a villain, one should refrain from words in the face of death."

Jeon stated that she decided to pray for the former president's repose. She said, "I had personal opportunities to meet former presidents who lost power," and added, "Through former presidents who, like neighborhood grandfathers, wanted to chat whenever someone visited, I deeply understood what power truly is."

She further explained, "Because those who call 'Chairman Kim Il-sung,' 'Chairman Kim Jong-un,' and 'Mrs. Ri Sol-ju' but refer to 'Mr. Jeon Du-hwan' and 'Lee Soon-ja' are being disrespectful and going against common sense."

In conclusion, she emphasized, "I also spent my youth as a 'single point' in the painful modern history. As a living human being who has crossed the river of death, I pray for the repose of former President Jeon Du-hwan."