[Jeon Du-hwan Death] Lee Jae-myung "Clear Chief of Rebellion and Massacre"... Kim Ki-hyun "Paying Condolences is Human Duty"

Ruling and opposition parties speak with one voice on the deceased's faults
Different stances emerge over whether to pay respects

Police officials are entering the residence in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd, the day former President Jeon Du-hwan passed away. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] On the 23rd, following the news of former President Jeon Du-hwan's death, both ruling and opposition parties spoke in unison about the deceased's faults but expressed differing views on whether to offer condolences.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, upon hearing the news of former President Jeon’s death during a meeting with reporters after announcing his pledges at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, responded, "It is appropriate to refer to him as Jeon Du-hwan, since he was stripped of presidential honors."

Lee said, "Jeon is clearly the main culprit of the rebellion and massacre. He never reflected on or apologized for the unforgivable crimes of usurping state power for his personal desires, even until his last moments," adding, "I deeply regret this and hope such events never happen again." When asked about offering condolences, he replied, "I am not considering paying respects at this time."

Lee has consistently voiced criticism toward former President Jeon. On the 22nd of last month, when he visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju, he stepped on Jeon Du-hwan’s memorial stone, stating, "Jeon is a massacre rebel. Every time I come, I make sure to step on it and pass by without forgetting."

Cho Oh-seop, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson representing Gwangju, said, "I am angry that he died without any apology, without uncovering the truth, only distortion, and no reflection," adding, "It would have been better if he had revealed the truth of history and apologized to the people." He further stated, "Despite committing many wrongdoings such as corruption and massacres using the military, it is sad that opposition candidates say he was good at politics."

Additionally, Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, criticized, "If one recognizes history, I hope they would not dare to mention a state funeral," and said, "A death without reflection is itself guilty."

The People Power Party also generally acknowledged former President Jeon’s faults. Kim Ki-hyun, the party’s floor leader, told reporters after the floor strategy meeting, "Whether liked or not, he was a person involved in many controversies and a key figure in a tremendous event that recorded a chapter in Korean history, so I believe he bears heavy responsibility for that."

However, expressing regret, he also announced plans to offer condolences. Kim explained, "On a human level, I feel sorrow over his passing," and "Personally, I think paying respects is a human duty." Except for Kim Ki-hyun, who had to appear before reporters due to an official meeting, the People Power Party has withheld official statements, seemingly considering the public sentiment toward former President Jeon and adjusting the tone accordingly.

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