Yoon Attends 44th Anniversary Memorial of Park Chung-hee's Death... "We Must Embrace the Deceased's Spirit of 'If You Do It, It Will Work'"

First Time Sitting President Attends Memorial Ceremony
Yoon Pays Respects at Former President Park Geun-hye's Tomb

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 26th, the 44th anniversary of former President Park Chung-hee's passing, "In the current global complex crisis, we must once again engrave the spirit and achievements of former President Park and use them as a stepping stone to create a Korea that leaps forward."

President Yoon made these remarks at the memorial service for former President Park Chung-hee held at the former president's burial site in the National Seoul National Cemetery that morning. The presidential office reported that he said, "(The late president) united the people under the banner of 'It can be done' and achieved the world-historical feat known as the Miracle on the Han River."

The memorial service for former President Park Chung-hee has been held annually since 1980, organized by the Minjok Jungheunhoe (National Revival Association), and President Yoon is the first sitting president to attend the service. At the memorial, President Yoon also met with Park Geun-hye, former president and eldest daughter of Park Chung-hee.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting former President Park Geun-hye at the 44th anniversary memorial service for former President Park Chung-hee held at the burial site of former President Park Chung-hee in the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 26th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

During his president-elect period last April, President Yoon visited the residence of former President Park Geun-hye in Dalseong County, Daegu Metropolitan City, and met with her to resolve past grievances. Following this, former President Park Geun-hye attended President Yoon’s inauguration ceremony in May last year.

The memorial service proceeded with an opening address by Jeong Jae-ho, chairman of the Minjok Jungheunhoe and memorial committee, the recitation of the National Education Charter in the late president’s voice, and a performance of a memorial song by the military band. After the official program, President Yoon, along with former President Park Geun-hye and direct family members, paid respects at former President Park Chung-hee’s tomb, honoring his will and achievements.

Attendees at the memorial service included former President Park Geun-hye and other family members, Jeong Jae-ho, chairman of the Minjok Jungheunhoe, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Kim Kwan-yong, senior vice chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. From the National Assembly, People Power Party leader Kim Gi-hyeon, floor leader Yoon Jae-ok, and Innovation Committee Chairman In Yo-han were present.

From the presidential office, Chief of Staff Kim Dae-gi, Senior Secretary for State Affairs Planning Lee Gwan-seop, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Jin-bok, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu, and Senior Secretary for Public Relations Kim Eun-hye attended. Additionally, about 2,000 people including members of the Minjok Jungheunhoe, the Park Chung-hee Presidential Foundation, and general citizens paid tribute to the late president at the memorial service.

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