"I Will Remember Your Courage and Love"
Kim Hyekyung, the spouse of Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Sorokdo in Goheung County, Jeollanam-do on the 27th to offer comfort to Hansen's disease patients.
On the morning of the 27th, Kim Hyekyung, the spouse of Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is inspecting the interior of Jungang Church in Sorokdo, Goheung County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
On the morning of the same day, Kim held a closed-door meeting with about ten residents with Hansen's disease at the National Sorokdo Hospital. The residents expressed, "Life is difficult due to the stigma of being Hansen's disease patients, and we want to preserve the traces of our history of suffering and persecution." They also appealed, "During the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, the budget was cut, and now rain leaks into our living quarters."
According to an attendee, Kim responded, "It must be so hard to be unwell, and even harder if rain leaks into your home," adding, "I will convey this to the candidate so that we can share in your difficulties."
After the meeting, Kim asked, "May I see inside the living quarters?" A Hansen's disease patient replied, "You are the first visitor to ask to see the living quarters," and personally guided her. Kim then visited Jungang Church, where she said, "As a believer myself, I would like to pray for a moment," and prayed for about one to two minutes. She also offered a brief silent prayer at the cathedral.
In the guestbook, Kim wrote, "This is a place where lives have endured painful times. I will remember and cherish your courage and love in my heart."
Kim's side stated, "Sorokdo is a place where sharing and service have been practiced, which is why she decided to visit. The candidate's spouse continues a quiet path to share in the pain of the vulnerable."
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