First Official Schedule After Nomination: Visit to the National Cemetery
"Evaluation of Historical Figures Should Be Left to Historians and Civil Society"
"Politics Is About Reality and Livelihoods... Emphasizes the Need for Left-Right Integration"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, began to actively pursue a path of "integration" on April 28. On this day, he paid respects not only at the graves of former Presidents Kim Dae Jung and Kim Young Sam, but also at the graves of former Presidents Park Chung Hee and Syngman Rhee, who are associated with the conservative camp. In addition, he brought Yoon Yeo Joon, a former Minister of Environment known for his conservative background, onto his election campaign committee.
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is paying respects at the grave of former President Kim Dae Jung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on April 28, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dong Ju
As his first official schedule after being nominated as the presidential candidate, Lee visited the National Cemetery and paid respects at the graves of former presidents and former Prime Minister Park Tae Joon. He stated, "I too was once like that, but there were times when we became entangled in current political strife over those who have already passed away," and added, "It is preferable to leave the evaluation of the deceased to historians and civil society." He continued, "Politics is about reality, and improving people's livelihoods is a major role of politics. Therefore, as much as possible, let's set aside past stories, ideologies, and partisan disputes for now."
Regarding the evaluation of historical figures, Lee emphasized, "Every historical figure can be viewed both positively and negatively, and merits and faults coexist," adding, "We should not be biased toward one side, but rather consider both aspects together." He stressed, "The current situation in the Republic of Korea is far from easy. We are facing crises in every area, including the economy, security, and safety. Therefore, we must unite the power of the people as much as possible."
In particular, Lee said, "The need for and value of integration is higher than ever," and explained, "The left and right, or conservatives and progressives, cannot become identical, but it is important to acknowledge the differences while seeking common ground. There is a saying, 'Gudongjoni,' which means to pursue commonality while respecting differences."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is writing in the guestbook after paying respects at the Memorial Tower in the National Seoul National Cemetery, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on April 28, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
When reporters asked about possible disagreements within and outside the party regarding his visit to the graves of former Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee, Lee acknowledged, "There will be different opinions within the party and among civil society." However, he responded, "There are clearly dark sides, such as the destruction of democracy and long-term dictatorship, but there are also merits in modernization. Just as there are shadows, there are also lights; if a coin has a front, it must also have a back."
Lee also officially confirmed that former Minister Yoon Yeo Joon had joined his campaign committee. He said, "Former Minister Yoon has often given me advice and candid opinions," and added, "I asked him to take overall responsibility for the campaign committee, and fortunately, he accepted." The recruitment of former Minister Yoon, who is known for his conservative leanings, is seen as a move that supports Lee's pursuit of "integrative politics."
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