‘My father’s politics left sincerity amidst cynicism’… 25,000 citizens mourn

Thousands of citizens gathered at Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Korea, to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun. The memorial service, held under the theme 'Democracy in My Life, From the Plaza to the Village,' drew an estimated 25,000 people, including prominent political figures.

Among the attendees were current President Lee Jae-myung, former President Moon Jae-in, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation stated that the ceremony aimed to embody the hope that democracy, awakened in public squares, would permeate daily life and local communities.

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After you left, countless ‘Roh Moo-hyun’s’ were reborn in this land. I am one of them.

President Lee Jae-myung, in his eulogy, stated, "After you left, countless 'Roh Moo-hyuns' were reborn in this land. I am one of them." He pledged to fulfill Roh's unfinished dream of a government prioritizing national sovereignty and committed to pursuing reforms that dismantle privilege and unfairness, regardless of opposition. Lee also vowed to create a balanced nation where all citizens prosper equally.

Former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook reflected on the power of organized citizens, recalling the "awakened citizenry" witnessed in public squares during times of crisis. She highlighted the resilience of women who endured harsh conditions, attributing the flourishing of democracy to the seeds planted by Roh Moo-hyun.

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We clearly witnessed the ‘organized power of awakened citizens’ that you so passionately called for in the plaza.

The memorial included a performance by the Gae-ddong Children's Art Troupe and a message from Roh Gun-ho, representing the family, who expressed gratitude and noted that his father's political life left a legacy of sincerity amidst cynicism and animosity. Following the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at Roh's burial site.

Political parties also invoked Roh Moo-hyun's legacy. The Democratic Party's spokesperson stated they would uphold his spirit and confront any deviations from his principles. The People Power Party's spokesperson emphasized Roh's message of integration and coexistence, suggesting that inheriting his spirit means practicing cooperation for the sake of the people's livelihood.

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Amidst the vicious cycle of cynicism and animosity, your life and politics left many hearts with politics of goodwill and sincerity.