A memorial service marking the 17th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's passing was held on May 23 in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the service took place at 2 p.m. at a special stage in the Bongha Village Ecological Cultural Park, themed "Democracy of My Life, From the Square to the Village." This theme signifies that while democracy awakens with the cries from the square, it truly blossoms in the village, the foundation of life.
The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation estimated that around 25,000 citizens visited Bongha Village for the memorial. Attendees filled the seats at the special stage, while those unable to find a seat watched the service from around the stage.
President Lee Jae-myung also attended the memorial service. This marked the first attendance by a sitting president since former President Moon Jae-in attended the eighth anniversary service in 2017. President Lee, who took office in June 2022, had previously attended the memorial as a presidential candidate on May 23 of the same year.
President Lee entered the venue with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, Kwon Yang-sook (Roh's wife), their son Geon-ho, and former President Moon Jae-in and his wife. This was the fifth consecutive year that former President Moon attended the memorial service since 2022.
Numerous government and political figures were also present, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, Justice Party leader Jo Guk, and Social Democratic Party leader Han Chang-min, all honoring the late president.
The memorial service lasted about an hour, beginning with a national tribute, followed by the introduction of guests, remarks by Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Chairman Cha Seong-soo, a eulogy, a themed video, and a memorial performance. After the service, President Lee and other political figures visited Roh's gravesite to pay their respects.
In his eulogy, President Lee stated, "A society where one can succeed without unfairness and privilege, where hard work is justly rewarded, and where both the capital region and local areas grow together—this is the vision for South Korea that the respected President Roh sought to create throughout his life. I assure you that the people's sovereign government will fulfill the dreams that the president could not achieve."
He added, "Even if we sometimes pause or stumble, we will never step back. I will do everything in my power to make the president's dreams, which are our shared past and future, a reality."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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