The Lonely Final Path of Jeon Du-hwan, the "Kudeta's Karma"

Leaving Without Reflecting on Historical Mistakes, No Floral Tributes or Condolences at the Blue House Funeral
Farewell on the 27th, Remains to Be Temporarily Kept at Home After Cremation

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Was it because of the "karma of the coup" or, as he himself said during his lifetime, the "result of a lack of virtue"? The final departure of the 11th and 12th President of the Republic of Korea was lonely.

The funeral of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan will conclude with a five-day family funeral following the departure on the 27th. The memorial service will also be held modestly, centered on family. The burial site has not been decided, and the remains will be temporarily placed at his residence.

Looking at his mourning hall, there is an emptiness that cannot be filled by the number of visitors. There were no presidential wreaths or official condolences from the Blue House. Former figures of the Fifth Republic, including former Director of the Agency for National Security Planning Jang Se-dong, stood by his final path, but current influential politicians such as ruling and opposition party leaders and presidential candidates did not participate in the condolences.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

His lonely departure showed before the vast river of history that the desire for "absolute power" was nothing but a mirage. The reason why he, who led the era of iron-fisted rule in the 1980s, became the protagonist of the loneliest funeral among former presidents is related to history.

The December 12 military coup in 1979 poured cold water on the public's desire to overthrow dictatorial power after October 26. The dangerous idea that power could be seized with guns and tanks led to the era of the new military regime. The 1980s, when the clouds of dictatorship hung over this land, was an era marked by historical tragedies including the "May Gwangju" incident.

There was an opportunity to atone before history. After stepping down from the presidency in February 1988, he had a chance to reflect on his past mistakes before the court of history and to reveal concealed truths.

However, in 1995, through the so-called "alleyway statement," he expressed his intention to refuse judicial procedures. His actions, still trying to reign over the law, were a misstep that provoked the public's wrath. His refusal to pay fines, claiming his entire assets amounted to only 290,000 won, and his confrontational stance against the people also backfired on him.

By closing his eyes without reflecting on his historical mistakes, he missed the opportunity to be evaluated for achievements during his presidency such as hosting the Seoul Olympics and economic growth. The way he left may be recorded in our history as the futile end of a dictator.

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