Figures from the pro-government camp, including the Democratic Party of Korea, gathered en masse on the 23rd in Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, for a memorial service marking the 17th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's death and pledged to carry on his legacy. In particular, the Democratic Party stressed the "Roh Moo-hyun spirit" ahead of the June 3 local elections, emphasizing victory through the consolidation of the democratic camp.
At the memorial, President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, Kim Hea-kyung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae and floor leader Han Byung-do, Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk, and The Social Democratic Party of Korea leader Han Chang-min were among those in attendance. Former President Moon Jae-in and his wife, former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and government ministers including Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung and Ministry of Planning and Budget Minister Park Hong-keun were also present.
Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang candidates running in this year's local elections for metropolitan mayors and governors, including Chun Jae-soo (Busan), Kim Sang-wook (Ulsan), and Kim Kyeong-soo (South Gyeongsang), also attended the memorial to honor the late president's wishes.
In his eulogy, the former prime minister said, "When martial law was declared, we saw in the square the organized power of awakened citizens that you so cried out for and yearned for," and added, "In the end, the sprouts of democracy you sowed grew into a lush forest that protected us."
He went on, "Right now, wars are raging across the world," and said, "We recall your teaching that safeguarding peace is the path to protecting people's livelihoods." He then turned to former First Lady Kwon Yang-sook, the spouse of the late president, and said, "We want to join you in the pain and loneliness you have endured," before handing her a bouquet.
After the memorial, meeting with reporters, leader Jung referred to the Dec. 3 declaration of martial law and said, "If President Roh Moo-hyun had not been there, could the organized power of awakened citizens have been brought to bear?" He added, "I believe the spirits of the Gwangju (Democratization Movement) and President Roh also saved us, the living."
He continued, "President Roh is gone, but countless Roh Moo-hyuns have awakened again and are carrying on the history of democracy in Korea," and said, "For a world where people can live with dignity, a world without foul play or privilege, and for a democratic society, I felt I must work even harder as one of the people."
He added, "The success of the Lee Jae-myung administration is a wish of the Democratic Party, but it would also be President Roh's wish," and stressed, "We must win the local elections and return to Bongha Village. We will do our utmost to win so we can come to President Roh and say, 'We won thanks to you, Mr. President.'"
Meanwhile, the People Power Party leadership, including leader Jang Dong-hyeok, did not attend the memorial, citing campaign schedules.