Yoon Seok-yeol Visits Late Bae Eun-sim's Funeral Hall, "Praying for Our Lady's Blessing"

Bereaved Family Asks About 'Democratic Merit Act'; Yoon Says "Will Consult Party Leadership"

Funeral Committee Member's Suggestion Prevents Mourners from Joining Meal and They Leave

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is visiting the funeral hall of the late Lee Han-yeol's mother, Bae Eun-sim, on the afternoon of the 10th.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] On the second day of the funeral for the late Bae Eun-sim, mother of the late martyr Lee Han-yeol, who dedicated her life to democracy in continuation of her son's unfinished will, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, visited the funeral hall.

Candidate Yoon offered a single chrysanthemum flower in front of Ms. Bae's portrait and burned incense, placing it in the incense burner.

After bowing twice, he firmly held the hands of the bereaved family and said, "I have nothing to say. I offer my sincere condolences."

After paying respects, Candidate Yoon stated, "The deceased devoted her entire life to democratization," and added, "As a member of the public, I truly pray for Ms. Bae's peaceful rest."

When asked about his stance on the 'Democratic Merit Act,' which had caused a commotion prior to the condolence visit, he avoided giving a definite answer.

He said, "I am currently not a member of the National Assembly and do not know the details of the law well," adding, "I will go up to Seoul and review the contents."

Even before Candidate Yoon appeared at the funeral hall, the atmosphere was noticeably tense, quite different from the previous day.

On the path leading to the incense offering site, members of the Gwangju Jeonnam University Students Progressive Union and citizens holding hand signs stood ready to block Candidate Yoon, and police remained alert in case of emergencies.

When Candidate Yoon finally appeared, two family members blocked his path, raising their voices, saying, "The People Power Party, which boycotted the Democratic Merit Act?the deceased's last wish?calling it a 'special privilege law for activists,' has no right to pay respects."

They said, "Last year on November 23, my mother tried to deliver a petition to the People Power Party headquarters asking for the passage of this law, but they did not even accept it," demanding a clear response. A tense standoff lasting several minutes ensued between Candidate Yoon, who came to pay respects, and the family members trying to block him.

Candidate Yoon tried to persuade them, saying, "I will go up to Seoul and discuss the matter with the party leadership. I came here to pray for the repose of someone who passed away while fighting for democratization," and the family members eventually allowed him to pass.

After paying respects and exchanging brief greetings with Representative Woo Sang-ho, who was in charge of the funeral, Candidate Yoon attempted to join the meal gathering with other mourners, but left the funeral hall following the funeral committee official's advice that "the mourners are suppressing their anger, so it would be better if you just leave."

Meanwhile, Ms. Bae collapsed from a myocardial infarction on the 3rd, underwent emergency surgery, was discharged on the 7th, but collapsed again and passed away the next day. The funeral is being held as a three-day 'Democratic Society Funeral.'

Following the farewell ceremony on the 11th, a memorial service will be held at the May 18 Democratic Square, after which she will be interred at the Mangwol Cemetery.

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