Even Amid Mourning, Choe Jae-hyung Firmly Commits to Politics, Supported by Opposition Presidential Candidates

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min entered the funeral hall of the late father of former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung at the Sinchon Severance Hospital funeral home in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The condolence visits by political figures continued for the second day following the passing of former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's father. After opposition party leaders and lawmakers quickly visited the funeral hall the previous day, on the 9th, opposition presidential candidates such as former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung also paid their respects, adding voices of support for Choi’s decision to engage in politics.

On the morning of the same day, opposition presidential candidates continued to visit the funeral hall set up at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, for the late retired Navy Colonel Choi Young-seop.

Around 9 a.m., Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party and a member of the National Defense Committee for four years, entered the funeral hall together with former Chairman Choi. After paying his respects, Ha told reporters, "I didn’t know much about Captain Choi until I visited the Navy History Museum in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, during the Marineon crash incident, where I was very impressed by Captain Choi’s wartime achievements." He added, "I came to express my gratitude for Captain Choi’s dedication to protecting our country and to encourage former Chairman Choi to remain steadfast and play a significant role."

Regarding former Chairman Choi’s recent decision to participate in politics, Ha said, "I don’t think he resigned as Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection out of political ambition. While serving as chairman, he strongly felt that the country was going in the wrong direction and believed he could play a role in steering the nation upright, which I think gave him a strong sense of responsibility."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who arrived at the funeral hall afterward, said he was not personally acquainted with the deceased but had taken an interest as a member of the National Defense Committee. Yoo said, "Having served on the National Defense Committee for eight years, I have always had a special affection for the Navy. I have heard a lot about the late’s remarkable achievements during the Korean War, and he is a war hero proudly honored by the Navy." He added, "Although I have no personal connection, I came to pay respects together with my older brother, who is connected to the deceased."

Yoo also mentioned that it was his first meeting with former Chairman Choi, saying, "Engaging in politics for the country is very challenging, so his announcement must be his own decision. From the opposition’s perspective, it is desirable for more outstanding individuals to run in the presidential election."

Former Chairman Choi, who has been holding the funeral for two days, calmly greeted and responded to mourners one by one. He frequently approached reporters at the scene, saying things like "Thank you for your hard work" and "We need to implement quarantine measures."

Visits from current and former lawmakers also continued. Former Future Korea Party leader Won Yoo-chul, People Power Party election committee chairman Hwang Woo-yeo, former People Power Party lawmakers Kim Jin-tae and Kim Sung-chan, among others, visited.

On the second day of the funeral, visits from civilians and current and former military personnel in uniform also continued. Due to the influx of mourners, condolences were conducted in line with social distancing rules, with people lining up while maintaining distance. In the afternoon, presidential candidates Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, are also scheduled to visit the funeral hall to pay their respects.

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