Political Circles Mourn Late Cardinal Jeong Jin-seok... "He Gave Everything"

Lee Jae-myung, Park Young-sun, Won Hee-ryong, Oh Se-hoon, and Others in Political Circle SNS Memorial Relay

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The ruling and opposition parties in the political sphere are mourning the passing of Cardinal Jeong Jin-seok, former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, and expressing their condolences. Both parties pledged to carry on Cardinal Jeong's legacy and honored the late figure.

The People Power Party officially expressed their condolences on the 28th through a spokesperson's statement. Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in the statement, "The Cardinal lived a life like 'The Giving Tree' without holding back," adding, "Even in passing, he donated his remaining assets to those in need and personally practiced sacrifice and sharing through organ donation, giving everything he had." He continued, "With a reverent heart, the People Power Party will also strive harder to walk alongside the vulnerable."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, said, “When I visited Cardinal Jeong after entering politics in 2012, he told me to ‘contribute to increasing the happiness of ordinary people,’” and added, “I also promised him that I would ‘ceaselessly work for the happiness of the people,’ sharing my experience of medical volunteer work with the Catholic Student Association during my medical school days.” Ahn said, “I will not forget that the reason for the existence of the nation is the happiness of its people,” and added, “Now, please rest peacefully in heaven, leaving the worries of neighbors and ordinary people to us.”

Lee Dong-young, chief spokesperson of the Justice Party, also commented, "As Korea’s second cardinal, he was always a warm ‘Hyehwa-dong grandfather’ who held the hands of the poor and marginalized citizens," adding, "The Cardinal, who had led the life movement, personally practiced organ donation and returned all his assets to our society." He added, "The Justice Party will also work harder to become a strong support for ordinary citizens suffering and struggling due to COVID-19 and inequality, carrying on the noble spirit of sharing and solidarity left by the Cardinal."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon recalled the late figure on Facebook, saying, "I remember the first time I met the Cardinal," and added, "He advised me, ‘Do not be concerned with people’s evaluations, quietly build your achievements, and heaven will recognize them.’ That advice has become a lifelong lesson for me."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung wrote on Facebook on the 28th, "The Cardinal, who lived his entire life with the heart of ‘giving everything he had to everyone,’ gave all he had until his final journey," and said, "His last words were that ‘I hope all people will be happy.’ I bow deeply to his broad heart that thought of others until the very end and his sincere attitude toward life."

Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong also posted on Facebook, "Like the motto ‘Omnibus Omnia, giving everything to everyone,’ you left us all that you had," and said, "We will engrave your will in our hearts and move forward together toward a country where the people do not grieve and the next generation is happier."

Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun said on Facebook, "Whenever our society was shaken, he was a strong pillar of love and wisdom, leaving beautiful footprints until the end through organ donation and the offering of his bank account balance," and added, "Estelle Park Young-sun prays for the Cardinal."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won also mourned on Facebook, saying, "We will surely uphold and continue the spirit of dedication of the Cardinal, who illuminated even his final journey with acts of sharing and good deeds," and added, "Because the Cardinal was with us, our people and the Republic of Korea were happier. We will forever miss the Cardinal."

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