Japanese Media Report Former President Roh Tae-woo's Passing: "Contributed to Korea's Democratization"

▲Former President Roh Tae-woo. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Major Japanese media outlets highlighted the merits and faults of former President Roh Tae-woo, who passed away on the 26th.

On the 27th, Asahi Shimbun published an article titled "Shared Guilt in South Korea's Democratization," stating, "As the first president after South Korea's democratization, he is recognized for economic growth and vigorous diplomacy toward the post-Cold War era, but also bears negative aspects such as involvement in a coup and conviction for illicit wealth accumulation after leaving office."

Asahi continued, "The Roh Tae-woo administration was a period when South Korea underwent significant changes both domestically and in foreign affairs," adding, "The 1988 Seoul Olympics was a culmination showcasing the 'Miracle on the Han River,' a period of rapid economic growth since the late 1960s, to the world."

Regarding the confirmed prison sentence after his retirement due to the December 12 coup, the violent suppression of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, bribery (slush funds), and other charges, Asahi added, "A shadow of the military dictatorship era always followed Mr. Roh."

However, Asahi noted, "It cannot be denied that the Roh Tae-woo administration introduced policies symbolizing democratization one after another," and introduced that "evaluations of President Roh are currently deeply divided even within South Korea."

Yomiuri Shimbun reported, "Former President Roh Tae-woo led South Korea during a transitional era of democratization and the end of the Cold War," and added, "As a military officer who participated in a coup, he bore the burden of that history, so after assuming the presidency, he strove to draw a line against authoritarian rule."

Mainichi Shimbun focused on the late president's activities related to Korea-Japan relations, noting that during his visit to Japan in May 1990, at an imperial banquet, then-Emperor Akihito expressed 'deep sorrow and regret' over Japan's colonial rule.

In addition, Mainichi added that Roh Tae-woo aimed for a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship, opened humanitarian support paths related to compensation for atomic bomb victims in Korea and the repatriation of Sakhalin Koreans, and also sought a visit by the Emperor to South Korea.

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