"Light Up the Republic of Korea"... The Last Will of Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's Father

Colonel Choi Young-seop, who worried about his son's political career, gave final encouragement: "Do it with conviction"
6.25 War hero Colonel Choi Young-seop passed away early morning on the 8th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung revealed on the 8th that the last words left by his late father, the late Reserve Navy Colonel Choi Young-seop, were "Illuminate the Republic of Korea."

That morning, former Chairman Choi met with reporters at the funeral hall of Yonsei Severance Hospital in Seoul, where his father's wake was held, and conveyed this message.

With tears in his eyes, former Chairman Choi told reporters, "The last words my father (Colonel Choi) left in writing before he passed away were 'Illuminate the Republic of Korea,'" adding, "He verbally told me to 'act according to my conscience.'"

Earlier, when rumors of former Chairman Choi running for president surfaced during his tenure at the Board of Audit and Inspection, Colonel Choi was known to have opposed his son's political activities. When reporters mentioned this, former Chairman Choi explained, "He advised me to choose carefully."

He continued, "Since this is the first time I am hosting after my father's passing, I will say this much," and added, "Thank you all for your efforts because of me."

After stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 28th of last month, former Chairman Choi had been contemplating a political path, including running in next year's presidential election, spending time in the provinces to reflect. According to close aides, he returned to Seoul on the 6th after hearing that his father's condition had become critical. He also revealed through phone interviews with the media that he had solidified his decision to participate in politics.

Due to his father's passing, former Chairman Choi is expected to refrain from political activities for the time being. However, it is anticipated that he will have face-to-face contact with political figures during the condolence process. On the morning of the same day, Kwon Young-se, the People Power Party's External Cooperation Committee Chairman responsible for liaising with presidential candidates outside the party, visited the funeral hall.

The late Colonel Choi participated in major battles of the Korean War and received six medals, including three for valor. The wake is set up at Sinchon Severance Hospital in Seoul, with the funeral procession scheduled for 9 a.m. on the 10th, and the burial site at the National Daejeon Cemetery.

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