The 49th Day Memorial for the Late Former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Held Online This Afternoon

Only Immediate Family Members Attend the Jogyesa Site

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The 49th-day memorial service for the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, will be held online from 5 p.m. on the 26th. Due to quarantine guidelines in response to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), only immediate family members will attend the 49th-day memorial service held inside Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, Seoul.

The family of former Mayor Park announced the day before, "In keeping with our father's wishes during his lifetime, we intend to conduct the 49th-day memorial service safely with only the minimum number of family members attending."

The family stated, "As our father, who served as Seoul Mayor, was always one step ahead in preparing for and preventing infectious diseases such as MERS and COVID-19, we believe he would have minimized any major events during this serious COVID-19 situation," adding, "We hope you will join us in the online memorial service for our father's final farewell."

Accordingly, the 49th-day memorial service will be held modestly inside the main hall of Jogyesa Temple with only four immediate family members and monks attending, which is stricter than the current religious event regulation allowing up to 50 people. For safety, extended family members will participate in the memorial service outdoors in the courtyard of the main hall.

The family expressed, "The family has given this much thought and we apologize to many who stood with our father, asking for your understanding," and "We also thank the Jogye Order for their consideration and support amid the fierce spread of the coronavirus as the 49th-day memorial service approaches."

Earlier, supporters of former Mayor Park, including the group 'People Remembering Park Won-soon,' had planned memorial events for the 49th-day service. However, all related events were canceled after the government strengthened social distancing to Level 2 starting at midnight on the 19th.

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