The funeral of the late Roh Tae-woo, mixed voices of mourning

◀ anchor ▶

The funeral and funeral ceremony of the late Roh Tae-woo, who served as the 13th president, were held today.

According to the wishes of the deceased, it was performed simply.

As opinions about the life of the deceased were mixed, voices commemorating the deceased and voices criticizing them were mixed up to the last road.

This is reporter Ji Yoon-soo.

◀ Report ▶

The honor guard holds the coffin covered with the Taegeukgi and moves slowly.

The late Roh Tae-woo, who served as the 13th President of the Republic of Korea.

Finally, I stopped at my home in Yeonhui-dong to say goodbye to my family and close friends.

The funeral was held strictly at the Olympic Park Peace Plaza to commemorate the ’88 Olympics, which were held during the deceased’s tenure.

Kim Ok-sook, who had been with her for more than 60 years, handed chrysanthemum flowers to her departing husband and burst into tears.

As opinions about the deceased’s life differed, the final tribute was also different.

While the 6th official left remarks that seemed to rationalize the military coup, Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom regretted that the deceased did not directly apologize during his lifetime.

[노재봉 전 국무총리]

“They were elites who experienced modern civilization and grafted Korea together. I would say that it was an opportunity to participate in the governing function, and it was the fate of the (sixth) first-generation officers…”

[김부겸 총리]

“It is an immutable fact that the deceased has made a huge mistake that cannot be erased. Please continue the apology that the deceased could not make himself.”

In accordance with the will of the deceased who requested a simple funeral and quarantine for COVID-19, the number of people attending the funeral was minimized to less than 50.

However, some figures, including National Assembly Speaker Park Byung-seok, were unable to attend due to schedule, and only Lee Jun-seok, representative of the People’s Power, attended.

“I oppose, oppose, oppose Roh Tae-woo’s head of state.”

Outside the funeral hall, slogans against the head of state and voices commemorating the deceased came out at the same time.

[탁현서]

“It’s nice to be able to see you one last time with a relaxed and respectful heart.”

The deceased’s body, which was moved to the Seoul Memorial Park, was cremated for two hours and returned to a handful of ashes.

The remains, which are temporarily placed at Geomdansa Temple in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, will be buried after a cemetery has been built nearby in accordance with the will of the bereaved family to commemorate the deceased who dreamed of peaceful reunification during his lifetime.

This is Yoonsoo Ji from MBC News.

Video coverage: Heo Won-cheol / Video editing: Jo Ara

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