"Economic Difficulties and Unfavorable External Conditions"
Shaking Hands with Cheering Citizens
Former President Park Geun-hye emphasized that "there is nothing we cannot overcome if all citizens unite with one heart" while attending a commemorative event for her father, former President Park Jeong-hee, according to Yonhap News Agency.
According to the report, on the 14th, at the '107th Anniversary Cultural Event for Former President Park Jeong-hee' held at GumiCO in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, former President Park said, "The economy is difficult, and external conditions are also challenging."
At 11 a.m., the start time of the ceremony, she entered GumiCO wearing a beige pantsuit with her traditional updo hairstyle that she has maintained since the past. Some citizens and supporters reportedly cheered "Park Geun-hye, Park Geun-hye" and applauded her. Former President Park also smiled brightly and shook hands with the citizens.
Former President Park Geun-hye is moving to the event venue to attend the '107th Anniversary Cultural Event of Former President Park Chung-hee's Birth' held on the morning of the 14th at GumiCO, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News
In her greeting, she said, "As the eldest daughter, I saw my father always carrying the heavy burden for the country on his back and deep in thought," adding, "Born as the son of a poor farmer and with a small stature, how he lived such a life, now that I am older, my respect and affection for my father have grown even more."
She continued, "My father was a person who lived his life with the thought of loving the country and making the people prosperous," and added, "Even though many years have passed, the reason you all remember and miss my father and come to this place is because of the same love for the country."
Former President Park Geun-hye is speaking at the '107th Birth Anniversary Cultural Event of Former President Park Chung-hee' held on the morning of the 14th at Gumi Exhibition and Convention Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News
Former President Park concluded, "Thanks to you all, I carry the memories and longing for my father in my heart," and said, "Thank you for the invitation, and I hope you have a warm and happy year-end with your family."
It is known that former President Park visited Gumi for the first time in one year and three months. Previously, in August last year, she visited the birthplace of former President Park Jeong-hee in Sangmo-dong, Gumi, on the 49th anniversary of the passing of her mother, the late Mrs. Yuk Young-soo.
Meanwhile, every year on November 14th, an event commemorating former President Park Jeong-hee's birthday is held in Gumi, organized by the Park Jeong-hee Presidential Birthplace Preservation Association. This year’s event reportedly included a 30-minute memorial ceremony attended by about 200 people, including Kim Jang-ho, the mayor of Gumi.
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