Jin Joong-kwon on Yoo Si-min's 'Resignation': "You Worked Hard to Smear Roh Moo-hyun's Image"

Yoo Si-min Quotes Former President Roh's 'Like a River' Expression

Chairman Yoo Si-min of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation is expressing his gratitude at the 12th anniversary memorial service of former President Roh Moo-hyun held on May 23 in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae City, Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University, criticized Yoo Si-min, chairman of the People’s Life Foundation of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, for quoting the late former President Roh Moo-hyun upon his retirement.

On the 14th, former Professor Jin posted on his Facebook, saying, "You have worked hard all this time to smear Roh Moo-hyun’s face," criticizing Chairman Yoo.

On the 13th, a day before the last day of his three-year term, Chairman Yoo visited the late President Roh’s grave and wrote in the guestbook, "Mr. President, I greet you as I complete my term as chairman of the foundation. Like a river that does not give up on the sea, I will open a better tomorrow for the Republic of Korea together with the citizens."

On the 13th, Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, visited the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun a day before his retirement. Photo by Saramsaneun Sesang Bongha Village Facebook capture

Former President Roh often used the expression "like a river" during his lifetime. On February 24, 2008, the last day of his term, he said at a dinner with Blue House cabinet members, "No river ever gives up on going to the sea."

In the same year, in April, he attended the opening ceremony of the volunteer support center for the "Meeting to Love Roh Moo-hyun" held in Bongha Village and wrote in the guestbook, "Rivers do not give up on the sea. Like a river! Roh Moo-hyun, the 16th President."

Meanwhile, Chairman Yoo wrote at the end of the guestbook, "I will open the tomorrow of the Republic of Korea," which led to speculation in political circles that Yoo might be hinting at future political moves. Some even speculated that he might join the election campaign committee of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.

However, on the 14th, Yoo dismissed the 'comeback theory' in his farewell message sent to the foundation’s supporting members, stating, "I have no intention of running for election or becoming a public official again."

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