Prime Minister Han Attends Mrs. Son's Funeral Service
"YS's Great Open-Door Politics Possible Thanks to Mrs. Son's Devotion"
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the 11th, "Our people will forever remember the great elder who navigated the hardships of modern Korean history and opened an era of democratization and industrialization, President Kim Young-sam and Mrs. Son Myung-soon."
At the funeral service for the late Mrs. Son Myung-soon, wife of former President Kim Young-sam, held at the National Seoul National Cemetery's Memorial Hall, Prime Minister Han said, "Mrs. Son was the most reliable comrade who spent her entire life with President Kim, her peer. She was the great pillar who silently supported President Kim, who stood tall as a giant of democracy."
He continued, "The path of democratization led by President Kim and the politics of Daedomu-mun (大道無門, meaning 'There is no gate to the great way') were possible because of Mrs. Son's dedication and faith."
Prime Minister Han recalled, "Mrs. Son always endured the crises alongside President Kim during the times when he suffered various hardships and difficulties in the struggle for democratization. During the harsh periods of house arrest and political oppression, she was the gracious hostess of Sangdo-dong who warmly embraced the democratization comrades and shared generous kindness."
He added, "In the face of President Kim's 'bold decisions' that changed the fate of the Republic of Korea, such as civilian reform and the real-name financial system, Mrs. Son was the closest supporter of the president's lonely resolve."
He also emphasized, "Gentle yet firm like a rock, Mrs. Son was a strong political partner who upheld her husband's beliefs and intentions."
Prime Minister Han said, "Now, we are bidding farewell to an era of a great politician who devoted his life to leading democratization and building a world-class nation. I believe Mrs. Son will be happy to reunite with President Kim in heaven, and I hope they find peace together there."
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