Ruling and Opposition Gathered in Bongha Village Unite on 'Roh Moo-hyun Spirit'... Meanings Differ

Presidential Candidates Differ on 'Noh Moo-hyun Succession' Messages
Lee Nak-yeon: "Balanced Development Is Our Remaining Task"
Chung Sye-kyun: "Complete the Incomplete Prosecution Reform"
Lee Jae-myung: "Will Strive to Realize Noh's Dream"
"Moon Administration Turned Noh Moo-hyun Spirit into an Echo," Criticized by Opposition

On the morning of the 23rd, at Bongha Village in Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (right), having finished laying a wreath at the 12th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun, is moving in front of former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who is waiting for his turn to lay a wreath. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] "We will fulfill Roh Moo-hyun's dream," "It's time to recall Roh Moo-hyun's spirit"

On the 12th anniversary of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's passing, both ruling and opposition parties gathered in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, and unanimously emphasized the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit.' However, the interpretations of Roh Moo-hyun's spirit varied. Presidential candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea each presented differentiated messages such as 'balanced regional development' and 'prosecutorial reform,' while the People Power Party indirectly criticized the government by stating, "Former President Roh showed leadership in unification."

At the official memorial service held in Bongha Village that day, ruling party presidential candidates attending emphasized their commitment to carrying on the late president's will, though their directions differed.

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon emphasized 'regional balanced development.' He said, "We reflect on whether we are properly fulfilling the tasks left by former President Roh," adding, "The development of the southern region is the core of the balanced development that former President Roh spoke of. To this end, I will cooperate with Governor Kim Kyung-soo. To promote southern region development, a new KTX line between Busan and Mokpo is necessary."

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who also attended the memorial service with Lee, called for the completion of prosecutorial reform. After the service, Chung told reporters, "The establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which former President Roh so strongly desired, is an achievement," but added, "There are many unfinished parts, so completing those is the task ahead."

Chung also emphasized prosecutorial reform repeatedly in a post on his Facebook that day, stating, "The forces that politically assassinated you (former President Roh) are trying to thrive through unfairness and privilege. I will not allow the prosecution's politics and the Republic of Korea's descent into a prosecution republic to continue."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung is paying respects at the tomb of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam Province on the afternoon of the 6th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, who recently ranked first in various presidential candidate polls, did not attend the memorial service that day. However, in a Facebook post, he pledged, "As one of the many new Roh Moo-hyuns born after you left, I will do my utmost to make your dream, which is both past and future, a reality."

While ruling party presidential candidates voiced different opinions on how to carry on the late president's will, the People Power Party also mentioned the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit' and emphasized national unity.

Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is attending the '12th Anniversary Memorial Service of Former President Roh Moo-hyun's Passing' held on the afternoon of the 23rd at Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. / Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Ki-hyun, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, said in a meeting with reporters after visiting Bongha Village, "Reflecting on participatory democracy and practical spirit, I once again think about the great legacy left by President Roh," adding, "At a time when the spirit of big-hearted communication and integration beyond factionalism is sorely missed, I hope we take the meaning left by former President Roh as our milestone."

The People Power Party also criticized the government for moving away from the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit' that day.

People Power Party spokesperson Ahn Byung-gil issued a statement saying, "Former President Roh showed leadership in communication and integration during his lifetime," and criticized, "The slogan of the Moon Jae-in administration, which claimed to inherit the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit,' has become an echo in the void."

He continued, "At a time when we must unite our strength in the face of pressing livelihood issues such as real estate and jobs, as well as the national crisis of COVID-19," he warned, "If the one-way style of state administration and the legislative rampage pushed through by force continue as they are, national unity will become even more distant."

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