Choi Jae-hyung's Father Visited by Opposition Presidential Candidates... "A Respected Figure, Welcomed to Run for Presidency"

On the afternoon of the 9th, Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, exchanged greetings at the funeral hall of Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The condolences from political figures have continued for the second day over the passing of former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's father. Following the swift visits to the funeral hall by opposition party leaders and lawmakers the previous day, on the 9th, opposition presidential candidates including Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, and former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also visited, adding their voices of support for Choi's decision to enter politics.

That morning, the funeral hall set up at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, for the late retired Navy Colonel Choi Young-seop saw a steady stream of opposition presidential candidates paying their respects.

Around 9 a.m., Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party and a member of the National Defense Committee for four years, entered the funeral hall with former Chairman Choi. After paying his respects, Ha told reporters, "I didn't know much about Commander Choi until I visited the Navy History Museum in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, during the Marineon crash incident and was very impressed by his wartime achievements." He added, "I came to express my gratitude for Commander Choi's dedication to protecting our country and to encourage former Chairman Choi to remain steadfast and play a significant role."

Regarding former Chairman Choi's recent decision to participate in politics, Ha said, "I don't think he resigned from the Board of Audit and Inspection out of political ambition. While serving as chairman, he strongly felt that the country was going in the wrong direction and took on a great sense of responsibility to do whatever he could to steer the nation rightly."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min entered the funeral hall of the late father of former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung at the Yonsei Severance Hospital funeral home in Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 9th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former lawmaker Yoo, who arrived at the funeral hall afterward, said he was not personally acquainted with the deceased but had taken an interest as a member of the National Defense Committee. Yoo said, "Having served on the National Defense Committee for eight years, I have always had a special affection for the Navy. I have heard a lot about the late's remarkable achievements during the Korean War, and he is a war hero proudly honored by the Navy." He added, "Although I have no personal connection, I came to pay respects together because of a connection with my older brother."

He also mentioned that it was his first meeting with former Chairman Choi that day, saying, "Engaging in politics for the country is very challenging, but I believe his announcement reflects his own determination. From the opposition's perspective, it is desirable for more outstanding individuals to run in the presidential election."

In the afternoon, Governor Won and leader Ahn visited the funeral hall consecutively. After paying his respects, Governor Won told reporters, "I expressed my deep condolences to the heroic generation who protected the country."

Regarding former Chairman Choi's political participation, he said, "The fact that a sitting Board of Audit and Inspection chairman must resign to participate in politics for regime change shows how abnormal the situation is and how urgent regime change is. It is greatly welcomed that someone as upright and respected as the chairman participates in the opposition's united team for regime change."

Leader Ahn also said, "The late father was a respected figure who devoted his entire body to protecting the country during the Korean War, and former Chairman Choi is respected by many citizens for his principled and conscientious public service. As a citizen of the Republic of Korea, I thought it was a place I should naturally attend to pay my respects."

Regarding remarks about former Chairman Choi's political participation, he refrained from commenting, saying, "This is not an appropriate occasion to make such statements." Later, Governor Won and leader Ahn met at the exit of the funeral hall and exchanged greetings, saying, "Nice to see you."

Former Chairman Choi, who has been holding the funeral for two days, calmly greeted and responded to mourners one by one. He frequently approached reporters at the scene, saying things like "Thank you for your hard work" and "We need to implement quarantine measures."

Visits from current and former lawmakers continued as well. Former Future Korea Party leader Won Yoo-chul, People Power Party election committee chairman Hwang Woo-yeo, former People Power Party lawmakers Kim Jin-tae and Kim Sung-chan, among others, visited.

On the second day since the funeral hall was set up, visits from civilians and current and former military personnel in uniform have also continued. Due to the influx of mourners, condolences are being conducted in line with social distancing measures, with people lining up while maintaining distance.

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