Kim Boo-kyum: "Roh Tae-woo's Funeral... A Place for Mourning and Reflection"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Boo-kyum, Prime Minister and funeral chairman of the late former President Roh Tae-woo, stated at the funeral ceremony on the 30th, “This is a moment to mourn the deceased as well as a time for reflection that leads to a new history, a history of truth, reconciliation, and unity.” In his eulogy, Prime Minister Kim acknowledged Roh’s achievements such as the Northern Policy and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, while also expressing regret over his mistakes.

At the funeral held in the Peace Plaza of Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Kim said, “We fully understand the public’s opposition to the state funeral. We know that no apology can fully comfort the spirits of those who sacrificed during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and the democratization process.”

He also addressed the bereaved family, saying, “Please do not forget the significance of the state funeral and the feelings of the people today, and continue the apologies that the deceased could not make himself.” He urged, “Please continue to join efforts to uncover the truth of past history. That is the path for the deceased and an essential task for the long journey of our nation’s history.”

Kim also mentioned the former president’s contributions. He said, “During his term, he successfully hosted the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the largest Olympics in history where the world gathered in one place for the first time in 12 years beyond ideological conflicts.” He added, “He established diplomatic relations with 45 countries over five years, including the Soviet Union and China, opening a new horizon in Northern diplomacy. He laid the groundwork for advancing the tense and confrontational inter-Korean relations into coexistence and peace. He also contributed to economic democratization through the introduction of the concept of land public ownership.”

In particular, he emphasized, “What moved people more than his achievements was that the deceased expressed his apology and intention for forgiveness regarding past mistakes through his will.” He stated, “It is an undeniable fact that former President Roh committed significant mistakes in our modern history. There remains regret and sorrow that he did not personally meet with victims and their families to apologize before his illness.”

He added, “Today, at the funeral of the president, we once again realize the solemn truth that no one can be free from history.”

Kim concluded his eulogy by offering “deep condolences to the bereaved family and praying for the eternal rest of former President Roh.”

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