Visitors Pay Respects at Funeral Hall... Seoul City Transitions to Acting Mayor Seojung-hyeop's Authority System

Close Associates and Supporters Express Regret
"Mayor Park's Governance Philosophy on Safety and Welfare Continues"

Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dong-min is entering the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the late Mayor Park Won-soon’s wake is scheduled to be held on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy reporters Jo In-kyung and Lee Jung-yoon] The funeral hall for the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, was set up on the morning of the 10th at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall Room 1. The funeral will be held as a five-day Seoul Metropolitan Government funeral (葬), with the cremation scheduled for the 13th. From noon on that day, condolences will be received from acquaintances and politicians.

From early morning, close aides and supporters of Mayor Park gathered at the funeral hall. While Park’s daughter and wife Kang Nan-hee, who first reported his disappearance, along with Seoul city officials, prepared for the funeral, close aides such as Democratic Party lawmakers Cheon Jun-ho, Kim Won-i, and Ki Dong-min visited the funeral hall.

Some supporters expressed their sorrow while recalling Mayor Park’s life. Han Ji-il (73) said, "Last year, I participated in volunteer work with Mayor Park in the Sanggye-dong gosiwon (small room) community," adding, "He seemed blunt but was a very warm-hearted person." Park Jung-woo (52), who introduced himself as the chairman of the Korea Traditional Market Grand Integration Development Committee, said, "I met him personally often, and unlike typical politicians, he was the one who approached others first," expressing his condolences by saying, "A precious person has passed away."

Following Mayor Park’s death, Seoul will be operated under the acting mayoral authority of Seo Jeong-hyeop, Administrative Deputy Mayor 1, for about nine months until the by-election in April next year. Acting Mayor Seo held an emergency briefing at City Hall this morning, stating, "Seoul’s administration must continue firmly without interruption, prioritizing stability and welfare according to Mayor Park’s administrative philosophy." The Seoul Metropolitan Government will set up a citizen memorial altar in front of City Hall on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.