Presidential Candidates Send Messages of Remembrance
Paying Tribute to the Legacy of Roh Moo-hyun
On May 23, the 16th anniversary of the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun, a large number of political figures attended the memorial ceremony held in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province.
Attendees at the ceremony included National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, acting leader of the Democratic Party Park Chandae, People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Yongtae, acting leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party Kim Sunmin, and acting leader of the Reform Party Chun Haram. Former President Moon Jae-in has attended the memorial ceremony for four consecutive years since his retirement in May 2022.
In his memorial address, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik said, "The late President was a leader who deeply trusted the power of sovereign citizens more than anyone else. He believed that it is the citizens who drive the progress of history, and that the awakening and participation of citizens can change the times," adding, "We reaffirmed this during the December 3 Martial Law Incident."
Although the presidential candidates did not attend the ceremony, they sent messages of remembrance. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung and Reform Party candidate Lee Junseok visited the former president's grave earlier in the morning to pay their respects.
Candidate Lee Jaemyung stated, "In an era where everyone is Roh Moo-hyun, I will create a society where the common sense of awakened citizens prevails, a nation where the people are the true owners, and a world where everyone prospers together."
People Power Party candidate Kim Moonsu said, "President Roh fought against entrenched interests as solid as rock and always stood on the side of workers and the vulnerable," pledging, "With a commitment to work most passionately from the lowest place, I will achieve constitutional reform to return all power to the people."
Candidate Lee Junseok recalled receiving a scholarship certificate from former President Roh when he left to study in the United States in 2003, saying, "I want to pursue a style of politics that resembles President Roh, who boldly voiced his opposition to the three-party merger."
Democratic Labor Party presidential candidate Kwon Youngguk stated, "I honor the late president's spirit of laying down unnecessary authority and sincerely contemplating democracy," adding, "I will restore a democracy of tolerance and move toward an equal Republic of Korea."
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