Lee made the remarks marking the 17th anniversary of Roh’s death, saying he would push ahead with reforms regardless of pushback from vested interests.
“Beyond mourning you, I now feel the heavy responsibility and weight as president of the Republic of Korea, and I seek to carry on your will,” Lee said.
Referring to the Oct. 4 South-North Summit Declaration, which included efforts toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of a peace regime, Lee said he would continue Roh’s vision.
“I will steadily walk the path of peaceful coexistence and shared growth, inheriting the will of the president who turned the line of division into a path of peace and achieved the declaration,” Lee said.
Lee said Roh envisioned a Korea where no one is driven to give up on life over making a living, and where people are treated with dignity.
Lee also drew applause when he said, “After you left us, countless Roh Moo-hyuns were born again on this land. I am one of them.”
It marked Lee’s first attendance at Roh’s memorial ceremony as a sitting president. Lee, who took office in June last year, attended the ceremony on May 23 last year as a presidential candidate.
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