Former President Lee Myung-bak: "Late Former Vice Speaker Lee Sang-deuk Worked Hard for the Country"

"Year-end birthday party was planned but couldn't hold it, feeling regretful"
"Brother gave hope saying don't give up, going to college even if late"

Former President Lee Myung-bak paid his respects to former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Sang-deuk, who passed away on the 23rd, and honored him by saying, "I believe he worked hard for the country."

On the day, former President Lee visited the funeral hall of his elder brother, former Deputy Speaker Lee. After spending time with family, he met with reporters and reminisced about his childhood with the late Deputy Speaker, expressing his condolences. He said, "When I was young, it was difficult, and I couldn't afford to attend university, but he gave me hope, telling me not to give up and to keep challenging myself," adding, "(Thanks to that) I was able to attend university later."

Former President Lee Myung-bak is wiping away tears after paying his respects at the funeral hall set up for his elder brother, former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Sang-deuk, at Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 23rd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Recalling the late Deputy Speaker, who was also his senior in entering politics, former President Lee said, "He gave me a lot of advice," and reflected, "He advised me that in politics, it is better to be humble and genuinely think about the country rather than just taking on challenges, and I have followed that advice."

He added, "The end of the year is (former Deputy Speaker Lee’s) birthday, and we promised to have a family birthday gathering at the end of the year, but I regret that we couldn't fulfill that."

When asked by reporters if he had anything to say to the deceased, he replied, "I hope he has gone to heaven and is happily living after meeting our parents who lived difficult lives and have passed away."