Kim Dong-yeon: "No Tae-woo Left Many Achievements... Cannot Deny the Shadows in History"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung, Park Juni] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and opposition presidential candidate Kim Dong-yeon said on the 27th about the late former President Roh Tae-woo, "He left many achievements, but it cannot be denied that he cast a shadow on history."

After visiting Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul to pay respects in the afternoon, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim told reporters, "The late president left various achievements, but it cannot be denied that he also cast shadows on our history, such as being the second-in-command of the military dictatorship and suppressing the May 18 Democratic Movement."

Regarding former President Roh's achievements, he evaluated, "He left several accomplishments such as inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, northern diplomacy, the concept of land public ownership, and the 1988 Olympics."

He continued, "With the passing of former President Roh, the 'Three Kims' have all left this world. I believe the 1987 system they created has fulfilled its historical mission," adding, "The constitution has not changed for over 30 years. Now is the time to open the door to a new 7th Republic through constitutional amendment, including revising the five-year single-term presidential system."

Regarding the decision to hold the funeral as a state funeral, he added, "Since the late president also cast shadows on history and his will requested a modest funeral, I think it is right for the bereaved family to make a somewhat more modest decision on their own."

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