Kim Geon-hee: "Roh would have said to become a unifying president"... Kwon Yang-sook: "A leader must endure the whip" (Summary)

One Hour and 30 Minutes of Conversation at Bongha
Kim: "Everyone Likes Roh Who Emphasized National Unity" Kwon: "Please Fulfill the Role of First Lady"
Visit to Roh's Tomb and Memorial Hall

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, visited Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongnam on the 13th to pay respects at the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun and to meet with Kwon Yang-sook.

On that day, Mrs. Kim took the KTX train, got off at Jinyeong Station, transferred to a minibus, and arrived at the entrance of the residence where Mrs. Kwon was staying around 2:30 p.m.

Dressed in a white shirt and black suit, Mrs. Kim was welcomed by about 150 residents and well-wishers in Bongha Village who shouted, "Welcome, nice to see you," and applauded. In response, Mrs. Kim bowed her head two or three times and headed toward the grave site of former President Roh.

From Mrs. Kwon’s side, Chief Secretary Jo Ho-yeon and Director Cha Seong-su of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation came out to guide Mrs. Kim. Mrs. Kim laid flowers, offered incense, and observed a moment of silence at the grave site.

She inquired about the stone slabs engraved with messages from supporters around the large flat rock where former President Roh is buried and received explanations about the surrounding geography.

Afterward, Mrs. Kwon came out to the entrance of the residence with a smile to greet Mrs. Kim, and from 3 p.m., a private conversation between Mrs. Kwon and Mrs. Kim took place for about an hour and a half.

President Office spokesperson Kang In-seon revealed part of the conversation between Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Kwon in a written briefing. Mrs. Kim first mentioned a memory of President Yoon shedding tears while watching the movie The Attorney during a difficult period when he was demoted. The film, starring Song Kang-ho, depicts the story of former President Roh’s work as a human rights lawyer.

In response, Mrs. Kwon said, "In the past, President Yoon visited Bongha Village to pay respects and met with me," adding, "I was truly grateful."

Mrs. Kim said, "If former President Roh were alive, he would have told President Yoon, ‘You should become a president of unity,’" and added, "Everyone liked former President Roh, who emphasized national unity."

Mrs. Kwon expressed regret to Mrs. Kim, saying, "I feel sorry for not being able to attend President Yoon’s inauguration due to health issues," and advised, "The position of a leader inevitably faces evaluation and criticism. You must endure a lot."

She continued, "It was heartwarming to see you wiping the rain off President Yoon at the National Cemetery," and praised, "You did very well walking cautiously behind him."

Mrs. Kim replied, "I have learned a lot from you." Mrs. Kwon thanked Mrs. Kim for making the long trip and urged her, "As First Lady, please devote yourself to your role with much thought and preparation."

Mrs. Kim responded, "I will visit often and learn from your guidance." She also said, "President Yoon said that Mrs. Kwon likes bread," and presented bread to Mrs. Kwon. Mrs. Kwon served the local specialty, "Gimhae Janggun Tea," and gifted four volumes of Roh Moo-hyun’s People’s World, a collection of former President Roh’s sayings, in return.

On the morning of the same day, President Yoon, on his way to work at the Yongsan office, was asked, "What message did Mrs. Kim convey by visiting Bongha Village, and is this a signal for public activities?" He replied, "Why do you keep interpreting everything so difficultly?" and added, "We have been trying to visit since last year, but the timing didn’t work out, so she is going now."

The presidential office had previously stated in a media notice that "Mrs. Kim has wanted to meet Mrs. Kwon and hear many words whenever there was an opportunity since last year."

After the conversation, Mrs. Kim toured the "Awakened Citizen Cultural Experience Exhibition Hall," a memorial hall for former President Roh, for 30 minutes. Afterwards, she purchased T-shirts, umbrellas, and eco-bags at the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation souvenir shop.