[Politics That Day] Former U.S. President Arrives in Korea Carrying a Portrait of Roh

George W. Bush Presents a Portrait of Roh He Drew Himself
In Tribute Speech on 10th Anniversary of Roh Moo-hyun, Reflecting Their Ties During Korea-US Summit
"I Considered Him a Leader Who Courageously Raised His Own Voice"

Editor's Note‘Politics, That Day...’ is a series that looks back on Korean politics through the ‘recollection of memories’ related to notable scenes, events, and figures that deserve attention.

On May 22, 2019, when former U.S. President George W. Bush appeared at Gimpo International Airport, all eyes of the press were focused on him.

He was dressed comfortably in a checkered jacket, blue dress shirt, pants, and sneakers. Smiling and waving to the press, he then boarded the prepared vehicle and left the scene.

The former U.S. president remains busy not only during his tenure but also after leaving office. There are many invitations and places he must visit worldwide. This is a result of considering the influence a former president can have on American politics. It is no surprise that every word and action of his attracts attention.

He is the eldest son of George H. W. Bush, who also served as U.S. president. He is famous for following in his father's footsteps and serving as president of the United States in succession.

Former U.S. President George Bush is raising his hand to greet the press as he enters through Seoul Gimpo International Airport on May 22, 2019. / Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Notably, he led the United States from 2001 to 2009. It is no exaggeration to say that the 2000s in America were shaped alongside former President Bush. During his tenure, South Korea had three presidents: Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Lee Myung-bak, all of whom had connections with former President Bush. In particular, he shared a five-year relationship as South Korean and U.S. presidents with former President Roh Moo-hyun.

This was the longest-lasting relationship. During that time, there were many significant events in bilateral relations. There were many issues and intense interest regarding international affairs, U.S.-Korea relations, and Korean Peninsula matters. Many wondered whether a conservative Republican U.S. president and a progressive Democratic South Korean president could get along well.

The reason former President Bush visited Korea was to answer that question. He attended the memorial service for former President Roh. Roh passed away on May 23, 2009. On May 23, 2019, the 10th anniversary memorial service held in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, was attended not only by domestic political and social figures but also by foreign dignitaries. One of them was former President Bush.

As a former U.S. president, he delivered a memorial speech reflecting on his relationship with former President Roh, the years gone by, and his hopes for the future.

On the afternoon of May 23, 2019, a memorial ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun was held in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Yonhap News]

“I sincerely hope that his vision for human rights in Korea transcends borders and reaches even the North.”

“The United States supports a unified Korea where all Koreans live peacefully, human dignity is respected, democracy spreads, and fundamental rights are upheld for everyone.”

“He (former President Roh) was a leader who courageously voiced his opinions. No one was exempt from his voice, not even the U.S. president. Former President Roh spoke out tirelessly for the national interest.”

During the tenure of former Presidents Roh and Bush, the two countries made historic decisions. The Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed, and South Korea decided to dispatch troops to Iraq.

On May 23, 2019, the 10th anniversary of the late President Roh Moo-hyun's passing, a citizen is taking a photo with a mobile phone at the citizen memorial altar installed in front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding the Korea-U.S. FTA, former President Bush explained, “We also negotiated and signed a landmark free trade agreement. The two countries rely on each other as the world's largest trading partners, and both economies greatly benefited.”

On the topic of the Iraq dispatch, former President Bush emphasized, “During President Roh’s term, South Korea was an important ally participating in the war on terror. The United States will not forget South Korea’s contribution to the Iraq War for freedom.”

As much attention was given to former President Bush’s visit to Korea, so was the gift he brought. He came to Korea carrying a portrait of former President Roh that he painted himself. He presented the portrait to Mrs. Kwon Yang-sook.

Former President Bush explained the background of painting the portrait as follows:

“While painting the portrait, I thought of a president devoted to human rights, a kind and warm president, a leader who respected the fundamental rights of the people, and a leader who courageously voiced his opinions.”