"Should We Attend Jeon Du-hwan's Condolence Ceremony or Not?" Hong Joon-pyo Asks Young People

Hong "Jeon Du-hwan, a neighbor... What do you think about the condolence visit?"
"It will cause controversy" vs "It is right to go" Opinions divided

Hong Joon-pyo, member of the People Power Party./Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] On the 23rd, Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, asked young people whether he should pay condolences for the late former President Jeon Du-hwan.

On the same day, Hong posted a question on the 'Hongmun Cheongdap (Youth answers Junpyo-hyung's questions)' corner of the online platform 'Youth's Dream,' which he created after losing the People Power Party presidential primary. He said, "Former President Jeon Du-hwan is from the neighborhood next to Hapcheon, my second hometown," and asked, "Putting political reasons aside, I think it is the right thing to pay condolences. What do you think?"

The opinions of the youth were divided. Generally, many argued that 'one should not pay condolences.' One young person pointed out, "I think it is better not to shed tears trapped in the 'Jokuk Suhong' frame and not to give room to be framed again," adding, "Going to Gwangju and shouting 'Even if you dislike the conservative party, there is no reason to dislike Hong Joon-pyo' could be in vain."

Other young people also commented, "If the lawmaker who receives youth support attends the funeral of an authoritarian dictator, it will cause controversy," "Please keep your sympathy for the elder from the neighboring town in your heart and reconsider once more," and "Young people ask you to cancel the condolence visit."

On the other hand, there were opinions that paying condolences is the right thing to do. One young person argued, "Young people have only learned about that era through education and do not know much. Although the left-wing dominates the world and introduces him as having many faults, the reality is not so," and stated, "It is right to go as a human being in the face of death."

Besides, there were opinions such as "Paying condolences is a bit much; it would be better to just send a wreath," "Don't worry about others and do as you think, lawmaker," and "I think it is okay to pay condolences, but what message you send is important."

Meanwhile, confusion arose in the political circle over the condolence visit for the former president. Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party presidential candidate, said regarding the condolence visit, "Since he is a former president, I think I should go," but after severe criticism, he eventually decided not to attend.

The Democratic Party of Korea also posted on its official social media, "We pray for the deceased's happiness in the afterlife and express condolences," but revised the post after expressions like 'happiness in the afterlife' and 'condolences' became problematic.

The Blue House stated, "We regret that the truth of history was never revealed and that there was no sincere apology. We pray for the repose of former President Jeon Du-hwan and offer condolences to the bereaved family," and announced that there are no plans to send wreaths or pay condolences.

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