Lee Calls for National Unity to Boost Economic Recovery; Moon Misses Growth Fund Enrollment

By Kim Bongcheol Posted : May 24, 2026, 02:22 Updated : May 24, 2026, 02:22
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung pay respects at the grave of late President Roh Moo-hyun during the 17th anniversary memorial service in Bongha Village, Gimhae, on May 23. [Photo=Yonhap News]
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung met with Roh Moo-hyun's widow, Kwon Yang-sook, before attending the memorial service for the late president on May 23 in Bongha Village, Gimhae, according to Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong in a written briefing.

The meeting took place at Roh's former residence and included former President Moon Jae-in, his wife, Chairman Cha Seong-soo of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, and Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. Roh's eldest son, Roh Geon-ho, was also present.

Kwon welcomed the presidential couple, saying, "It's good to see you." She remarked on their lunch in Jin-yeong, saying, "That’s very much like President Lee, and I believe it helped the local economy, which I'm sure the residents appreciated."

Former President Moon praised recent efforts for economic recovery, including rising stock prices, to which President Lee responded, "The entire nation is working together to make this happen."

Moon also mentioned the recently launched National Growth Fund, saying, "I heard that the online sales sold out on the first day. I wanted to enroll but missed the chance before my turn came."

Kwon complimented First Lady Kim, saying, "You are doing very well," to which Kim replied, "I am learning a lot from the roles that you and other first ladies have played."

The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, exceeding the scheduled time, according to Ahn.

Kwon concluded the conversation by expressing her gratitude, stating, "I always appreciate it, and I feel thankful every time I see more citizens visiting Bongha Village each year."

Earlier that day, President Lee visited Bongha Village for the first time since taking office to pay tribute to the late Roh Moo-hyun.

Dressed in a black suit to signify mourning, President Lee and First Lady Kim arrived at the Bongha Village Ecological Cultural Park around 2 p.m.

Kwon and the Moon couple walked at the front with President Lee and First Lady Kim.

President Lee smiled and gestured to guide Kwon to the memorial service area, while former President Moon held Kwon's hand for a brief conversation.

Upon entering the venue, President Lee bowed to the attendees and proceeded to his seat with Kwon.

Former President Moon greeted Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, Justice Party leader Jo Guk, and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok with smiles and handshakes.

President Lee, alongside First Lady Kim, listened attentively to remarks from Chairman Cha Seong-soo and a eulogy from former Prime Minister Han Myung-sook. Seated next to them were Kwon, Roh Geon-ho, and former President Moon.

In his eulogy, President Lee expressed, "We all remember 'the person Roh Moo-hyun,' who was warm and human like no other."

After the eulogy, President Lee comforted Kwon by holding her hand tightly.

Following the service, President Lee, former President Moon, and other attendees moved to Roh's grave to pay their respects with flowers and incense.




* This article has been translated by AI.

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