"Why Visit the Funeral?" vs "A Human's Duty" Controversy Over Condolences and Mourning for Jeon Du-hwan's Death

With "Condolences... Rest in peace" SNS post hastily edited
Yoon changes stance from "Shouldn't we go?" to "Not going"
Hong asks youth, "Should we attend the condolence or not?"
Experts say "Following public sentiment is reasonable"

On the afternoon of the 23rd, when former President Jeon Du-hwan passed away, a funeral hall was set up at Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] With the death of Jeon Du-hwan, the 11th and 12th President, on the 23rd, the political sphere is showing signs of debate over the level of condolence expressions. Confusion arose as opinions diverged or positions were reversed on whether to attend the condolence visit or not.

Online, opinions are divided regarding condolences for Jeon. While some argue, "Why should we pay respects to a person who violated human rights and massacred citizens?" others say, "Paying condolences is the proper human courtesy."

A post uploaded on the official Twitter account of the Democratic Party of Korea on the morning of the 23rd. Expressions such as 'former president' and 'condolences' were edited but deleted after public criticism. / Photo by Democratic Party of Korea Twitter capture

On the day, the Democratic Party of Korea posted messages expressing condolences on their official Facebook and Twitter accounts upon hearing the news of Jeon's death. The party wrote, "The deceased refused to offer a sincere apology and repentance. He never apologized for the Gwangju Democratization Movement. It is truly regrettable," and added, "We offer our condolences and pray for the repose of his soul."

However, this drew heavy criticism for inappropriate expression. Netizens strongly criticized the Democratic Party, saying, "Why mourn the death of a dictator who regressed democracy and oppressed citizens?", "Aren't you sorry to the citizens of Gwangju?", and "Do not even use the title 'former president' for someone stripped of presidential honors." The post on Facebook has since been edited to remove expressions like 'repose' and 'condolences,' and the title 'president' was corrected to 'Mr.' The Twitter post was deleted.

Meanwhile, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, initially said he was considering attending Jeon's condolence visit but reversed his position amid strong public criticism. When asked by reporters about his condolence plans, Yoon said, "I don't know when yet, but considering the schedule, since he is a former president, I think I should pay my respects." However, seemingly aware of the negative public sentiment, he changed his stance about two hours later, stating, "I have decided not to attend the condolence visit."

People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo also asked citizens for their opinions on whether to attend the condolence visit. On the online platform 'Youth's Dream,' created to communicate with the 20s and 30s generation, in the 'Hongmun Cheongdap (Youth answers Junpyo's questions)' section, Hong posted, "Former President Jeon is from the neighborhood next to my second hometown Hapcheon," and asked, "Putting political reasons aside, I think it is proper to attend the condolence visit. What do you think?"

The post received hundreds of comments, sparking a debate. Most responses opposed the condolence visit, citing that he was "a figure who massacred civilians and rose to the presidency," but some argued, "He is still a former president," and "Regardless of left or right, it is right to go."

On the 23rd, the day former President Jeon Du-hwan passed away, a photo of the former president appeared on the electronic display board in front of the funeral hall set up at Severance Hospital Sinchon Funeral Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The Blue House announced that it has no plans to visit Jeon's funeral or send a wreath.

Park Kyung-mi, Blue House spokesperson, said at the Chuncheon press briefing in the afternoon, "We express regret that he never revealed the truth of history nor offered a sincere apology," and added, "We pray for the repose of the former president's soul and extend condolences to the bereaved family." A key Blue House official further explained, "It was done as a minimum courtesy to the deceased to pray for his repose and offer condolences to the family."

Experts suggested that condolences and visits for Jeon should be conducted within the bounds of public sentiment.

Lee Jun-han, professor of Political Science and Diplomacy at Incheon National University, said, "This controversy was actually brought about by Jeon Du-hwan himself. If he had sincerely apologized at an appropriate time regarding the Gwangju massacre, the political sphere would have shown proper respect within reasonable limits," and added, "Since this is a sensitive time just three months before the election, it is best to act in a way that meets the public's expectations." However, he pointed out, "While condolence visits are a personal freedom, Jeon never apologized for his wrongdoings. In such a state, attending a condolence visit as if nothing happened is not appropriate from a historical perspective."

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