Song Young-gil Apologizes to Jeong Cheong-rae Over Funeral Claim

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil has apologized to party leader Jeong Cheong-rae for incorrectly stating that Jeong did not attend the funeral of former President Roh Moo-hyun. The apology came after Song reviewed Jeong's account of attending the funeral the day after Roh's death.

Song initially claimed in a radio interview that Jeong was too estranged from Roh Moo-hyun to even attend his funeral. This statement was made in the context of internal party competition, particularly concerning the party's legitimacy and succession, often referred to as 'legitimate succession competition.' Song suggested that Jeong, who was a key figure in the 'Jeong Dong-young legitimacy group,' had distanced himself from 'Nosamo' (People Who Love Roh Moo-hyun).

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I will correct my statement. I apologize.

Jeong Cheong-rae vehemently denied Song's assertion, calling it "100% false information" and demanding an apology. He stated on Facebook that he had indeed attended the funeral and expressed his condolences. Song later acknowledged his error on Facebook, stating, "I will correct my statement. I apologize."

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The core of my message was that in front of President Roh's death, we all share the fact that 'we couldn't protect him and are sorry.' We must not repeat such a tragedy.

Song Young-gil further elaborated on his remarks, emphasizing that the core of his message was the shared responsibility for Roh Moo-hyun's tragic death, encapsulated by the phrase 'jijimimianhae' (sorry we couldn't protect him). He urged against repeating such tragedies. Song also pointed out Jeong's strong opposition to the Roh administration's push for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an initiative he claimed Jeong led.

Song announced he was traveling to Bongha Village, Roh Moo-hyun's hometown, expressing a strong desire to prevent a repeat of the former president's tragedy. He concluded by stating that true successors to Roh Moo-hyun are not specific individuals but rather awakened citizens committed to protecting and ensuring the success of President Lee Jae-myung, whom he referred to as a "second Roh Moo-hyun."

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The true successors to President Roh Moo-hyun are not Jeong Cheong-rae, Kim Min-seok, or Song Young-gil, but rather awakened citizens who must protect and ensure the success of President Lee Jae-myung, the second Roh Moo-hyun.