Attorney Han Seungheon Memorial Ceremony... Former Prime Minister Jeong Seyeon and Others Attend

Published 24 Apr.2022 22:02(KST)

Over 110 Bereaved Families and Mourners Attend

At the memorial service for the late Han Seung-heon, former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, held on the afternoon of the 24th at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, attendees including former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (far right on the second row), Father Ham Se-woong (far right on the first row), and Supreme Court Justice Kim Seon-su (second from the right on the first row) are paying their respects to the deceased.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A memorial service was held on the 24th at Seoul St. Mary's Funeral Hall, where the funeral hall of lawyer Han Seungheon (former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection) was set up, one day before the funeral procession.

About 110 mourners, including family members, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Supreme Court Justice Kim Seonsu, and Father Ham Se-woong, attended the memorial service.

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Supreme Court Justice Kim Seonsu, Father Ham Se-woong, Monk Myungjin, Kim Youngju, Director of the Korea Christian Social Issues Research Institute, and Cho Sujin, Secretary General of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), also attended the memorial service to pay tribute to the deceased.

Father Ham Se-woong, who delivered the memorial speech, said, "Today, there is talk of prosecutorial reform in the political and judicial spheres, but all of it is unnecessary talk," adding, "The values of law and conscience, lessons, and practices advocated by lawyer Han, who was also a prosecutor, are the era's command and voice that speak to the younger prosecutors."

Han Gyu-mu, the second son of lawyer Han, said in a family greeting, "Our family motto was 'Even if we cannot live proudly, we must not live shamefully,' which was a very heavy and daunting saying."

He continued, "I will carry the burden throughout my life not to disgrace my father's honor, and just as my father lived, if there are people who are pitiful and dear, I will not ignore even small matters," he added.

Former Prime Minister Chung, who attended the memorial service, said, "(Lawyer Han) was a senior from my hometown and a very special person to me," adding, "There are many great people in our country, but I think there is no one as versatile, flexible, and righteous as lawyer Han." He also said, "Until last year, I occasionally visited and talked with him on the phone, so it is very regrettable and heartbreaking."

The late lawyer Han Seungheon is regarded as the number one lawyer for political cases, having defended major historical political cases recorded in modern history, such as the Dongbaekrim Spy Case, the Mincheonghakryeon Case, and the Inhyukdang Case.

The memorial service proceeded with a people's ceremony, screening of a memorial video, report of career, memorial speeches, a song by singer Jang Sa-ik, family greetings, and greetings and flower offerings.

The funeral of lawyer Han, who passed away on the 20th, will be held as a democratic social funeral (葬) until the 25th.