Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, commemorated the 16th anniversary of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun on the 23rd by stating, “I will create a society where the common sense of ‘awakened citizens’ prevails in an era where everyone is Roh Moo-hyun.” Candidate Lee visited Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, in the morning to pay tribute to the late President.
On Facebook that day, Lee wrote, “16 years ago that day, our nation lost a leader whom we loved and respected. President Roh Moo-hyun became two major milestones in my journey as Lee Jae-myung,” adding, “During my time at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, when I struggled between personal success and social responsibility, the special lecture by human rights lawyer Roh Moo-hyun shed light on the direction of my life.”
Lee stated, “The path of President Roh Moo-hyun, who adhered to justice over personal safety and principles over compromise, became my path. In 2006, it was thanks to President Roh that I was able to boldly decide to run in the local elections while involved in the civic movement in Seongnam. President Roh Moo-hyun instilled the hope that if one has genuine intentions for the people, they can engage in politics regardless of wealth and connections. I followed the hopeful light of lighthouse keeper Roh Moo-hyun and have eventually found myself here today.”
He continued, “Whenever I recite, ‘The river does not give up on the sea,’ a phrase President Roh often used, the pivotal moments of my life come to mind from deep within my heart,” and added, “Throughout his life, Roh Moo-hyun never gave up against the established powers and the walls of prejudice. He dreamed of crossing the high mountain of regionalism, passing the rocks of privilege and irregularities, and advancing toward the sea of democracy. Now, I dare to continue the journey of that river.”
Lee concluded by saying, “Although it is a heavy responsibility to newly shape a crisis-hit Republic of Korea, I will accomplish it with our great citizens,” and concluded, “In a time when ‘there is no Roh Moo-hyun, but everyone is Roh Moo-hyun,’ I will create a society where the common sense of ‘awakened citizens’ prevails, a nation where the people are sovereign, and a grand world where everyone prospers together. President Roh Moo-hyun, I hope you rest peacefully in a place that touches the sea of democracy.”