Opposition Parties Rush to Condole Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's Father... "Party Admission Discussions Expected After Funeral"

Ruling Party Leadership and Presidential Candidates Pay Condolences
Blue House Sends Chief Secretary and Others to Condolences
Choi Jae-hyung's Father's Last Words: "Illuminate the Republic of Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] When former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung suffered the loss of his father, the leadership of the People Power Party and other opposition figures visited the funeral hall to express their condolences. Due to the nature of the funeral venue, no political discussions took place, but the People Power Party leadership secretly hoped that former Chairman Choi would join the party soon and continue his presidential ambitions.

On the 8th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, visited the funeral hall along with Kim Do-eup, chairman of the Policy Committee, and Hwang Bo-seung-hee, chief spokesperson. Lee said, "Since he served as the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection and is a respected figure in society, it is natural to attend such occasions," adding, "At the memorial, I recalled the deceased’s image as a soldier and expressed my condolences."

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, also visited the funeral hall with the party’s floor leadership. After paying respects, Kim said, "I offered words of comfort." He added, "Based on information received through various channels, it appears he has some political plans. As I mentioned before, the People Power Party is preparing a welcoming bouquet." He further stated, "It depends on his judgment, but if he intends to join, I think it would be better to do so quickly."

Former National Assembly Speaker Chung Eui-hwa also expressed his condolences, saying, "This man is someone who will place the Republic of Korea on a solid foundation. Although he had no political ambitions, he has been discussing the presidential election while attending various events." He added, "If he joins the party, I will do my best to support him as the party’s permanent advisor."

In addition, opposition presidential candidates such as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, former Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Kim Dong-yeon, and former Future United Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn also visited the funeral hall. Assemblyman Kwon Young-se, who serves as the chairman of external cooperation, was the first to visit the funeral hall. Other lawmakers including Kwon Seong-dong, Yoon Han-hong, Jung Hee-yong, Kim Yong-pan, Jung Jin-seok, Yoo Sang-beom, and Song Seok-jun also paid their respects.

When asked whether he plans to maintain contact with former Chairman Choi, who has expressed his intention to enter politics, Assemblyman Kwon Young-se said, "Of course," adding, "After completing the final arrangements, he firmly decided to enter politics and declared his political intentions to the media." He continued, "Political reorganization is definitely necessary for former Chairman Choi. We plan to discuss closely how and when he will join the People Power Party."

President Moon Jae-in also sent Chief Secretary to the President Yoo Young-min to convey his condolences. After paying respects with Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Cheol-hee, Yoo said, "The President asked me to offer his deep condolences to the former chairman and his family, so I came to express those condolences."

Meanwhile, former Chairman Choi, who appeared before reporters with tears in his eyes that morning, said, "The last words my father left in writing before he passed away were ‘Illuminate the Republic of Korea,’" adding, "In his own voice, he told me to ‘follow my convictions.’"

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