[Politics, That Day...] President Moon Visiting Bongha Village, Saying "Today Is the Last" and Why

President Moon attended the memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2017, his first year in office
During his presidential term, only in his heart... "I will definitely become a successful president and return"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min]

Editor's Note‘Politics, That Day...’ is a series planning corner that looks back on Korean politics through the ‘recollection of memories’ related to notable scenes, events, and figures.

President Moon Jae-in is stepping down from the podium after delivering a memorial address at the 8th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun, held on the afternoon of May 23, 2017, at the presidential burial site in Bongha Village, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News

"As the incumbent president, today will be the last time I attend this place."

President Moon Jae-in said this at the 8th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun held on May 23, 2017, in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam. President Moon conveyed, "President Roh Moo-hyun, I miss you. I want to see you. But I will keep you only in my heart during my remaining term."

He explained that there would be no more occasions to attend former President Roh Moo-hyun’s memorial service as the sitting president.

To understand the meaning of this statement, it is necessary to focus on the lives of politicians Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in. Both share the common background of being human rights lawyers based in Busan.

One (politician Roh Moo-hyun) was the protagonist of a turbulent political history, while the other (politician Moon Jae-in) tried not to become a politician but ultimately responded to the call of the citizens.

Former President Moon Jae-in and Democratic Party figures attending the 8th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun. The fourth person from the left is Choo Mi-ae, leader of the Democratic Party.

Former President Roh Moo-hyun experienced the ups and downs of political life for over 20 years since becoming a member of the National Assembly in the 13th general election in 1988. Politician Roh Moo-hyun is a figure who grew based on a history of setbacks.

His challenge for the mayor of Busan to break regionalism, although ultimately unsuccessful, is a representative example. When former President Roh continued his political challenges, which were close to hitting a rock with an egg, President Moon was by his side watching.

This means that President Moon is well aware of what former President Roh’s political convictions were, what kind of world he wanted to complete during the participatory government era, and why he tragically ended his life.

In particular, the incident that occurred on May 23, 2009, in Bongha Village is one of the reasons that brought President Moon into the political arena. When former President Roh Moo-hyun passed away, President Moon played the role of ‘chief mourner.’ May 23 is a special day for President Moon.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Every year on May 23, those who remember former President Roh gather in Bongha Village to commemorate him. President Moon, who was the person former President Roh cherished the most and his ‘lifelong comrade,’ is also a regular member of the memorial service.

Why did President Moon, who visited Bongha Village right after winning the presidential election on May 23, 2017, say, "Today is the last time"? This message from President Moon contains the meaning of becoming a leader who avoids partisan logic and practices unity.

In fact, President Moon said, "We must expand our dream beyond the participatory government to a completely new Republic of Korea, a country worthy of its name," and added, "I now bury the regret of not being able to protect President Roh in my heart, and let us all build a country worthy of its name together."

President Moon said, "My dream is a government for all the people, a president for all the people," and emphasized, "Above all, the most important thing is not to let go of the people's hands and to walk together with the people."

Additionally, President Moon added, "Reform is not done because it is my belief or because it is the right path, but with the mindset that it is done because the people want it and it benefits the people, while looking into the eyes of the people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

How much of President Moon’s early-term pledge has been kept as he approaches one year before the end of his term? Evaluations may vary depending on perspective, but it is doubtful whether the Blue House itself can give a satisfactory assessment.

Running a government that can embrace political opposition is not as easy as it sounds. Complaints inevitably arise during the policy decision-making process, and persuading these groups requires high-level political skills. The significant drop in government approval ratings compared to when President Moon visited Bongha Village in 2017 indicates a decline in expectations.

President Moon promised, "I will definitely become a successful president, fulfill my duties, and then visit again." He set the condition of being a ‘successful president’ to revisit Bongha Village. What kind of image must he show to become a successful president?

The answer may lie in what President Moon stated at Bongha Village on May 23, 2017. At that time, President Moon said:

"We must expand our dream beyond the participatory government to a completely new Republic of Korea, a country worthy of its name... Let us once again show that we are much more competent in security, economy, and overall governance."

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