Jeong Cheong-rae, tears while visiting Roh Moo-hyun's grave - A vow made that day in Bongha

Jeong Cheong-rae's Tribute: Determination and Tears at Bongha

On June 21, 2025, in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, a quiet rain was falling. A politician, along with numerous mourners, quietly made his way forward. Dressed in a black suit, he stood with his head bowed in front of the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun. It was Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party. After quietly laying flowers and offering incense, he performed a deep bow in front of the boulders. He took the microphone and spoke briefly. "Mr. President, this is Jeong Cheong-rae. I will do my best." Although it was a short and simple greeting, he was unable to hold back his tears at the end of his words. This scene was not simply a ceremonial visit by a politician. The fingertips that wiped away his tears carried the weight of over 20 years spent in the political journey, as well as the philosophy of a living person. His tears were sincere, and that sincerity sank deeply alongside the rain in Bongha.

The Political Background of Jeong Cheong-rae and the Significance of No-Samo

Jung Cheong-rae, a member of the National Assembly, identifies himself as the 'first lawmaker from No-Samo.' No-Samo, which stands for 'People Who Love Roh Moo-hyun,' was more than just a simple support group it symbolized the possibility of citizen politics and voluntary participation. This movement served as the backdrop for Jung Cheong-rae's entry into politics. In the early 2000s, politician Roh Moo-hyun was different from other politicians. He stood against regionalism and vested political interests while advocating for a 'world without rule-breaking and privilege,' and many citizens responded to his sincerity. However, his political journey was not smooth. He faced political limitations when he was defeated in the Busan elections and seemed to fade away in the eyes of the media. During this time, Jung Cheong-rae discovered a spark of hope in Roh Moo-hyun. He reflects, 'His defeat was my starting point.' Politics, for him, was about fighting for something, and the sense of responsibility to remember and continue that fight drove him forward. Ultimately, he became a member of the National Assembly through the Democratic Party's regional primaries and political reform process, and that starting point was rooted in 'Roh Moo-hyun's path.'

Emotions at Bongha: The Meaning of Tears

Representative Jeong Cheong-rae said this at the entrance of the burial site on the day of the tribute. 'When I come to Bongha Village, I strangely find myself in tears. I don't really know why.' This statement carries deeper meaning than mere sentiment. The tears stem from his long political journey and a profound affection for the very people that journey represents. Bongha Village is not just a site where a politician lies in rest. It is a sanctuary where the values and philosophies of an era lie dormant, a space visited by numerous politicians and citizens to reflect on their original intentions. Even in a time when the word politics feels sharp and cold, emotions are permitted in Bongha. Here, sadness, embarrassment, and resoluteness are all parts of politics. Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's tears were a mourning for former President Roh Moo-hyun and an expression of accountability for the political philosophy he learned from him. The scene where he directly addresses the president and says, 'I will do my best,' is not a mere formal statement it sounds like a declaration of self-interrogation. He may have been shaken by internal questions such as, 'Does the current version of me align with the politician the president desired?' and 'What more can I do in the future?'

The current state of the world we live in and Jeong Cheong-rae's commitment

Representative Jeong Cheong-rae left a message in the guestbook saying, "I will always cherish a world where people live, just like the first time." This phrase is a representative philosophy of former President Roh Moo-hyun and a slogan that many citizens remember. The phrase "a world where people live" is quoted so often that it may now sound somewhat sentimental. However, its essence still carries a powerful political message. The value that puts people first and the premise that people should be at the center of policies is a proposition that, while obvious, remains difficult and is still relevant today. As politics feels distanced from the lives of citizens, "a world where people live" should not just be a reminiscence but a vision for the future. Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's commitment goes beyond merely honoring the late president's philosophy it is an expression of his determination to revive that philosophy in the present. He states that he will continue to promote the overcoming of regionalism, political reform, transparency, and participatory politics, as emphasized by President Roh Moo-hyun. This commitment is not just words but is reflected in his actions. His choice to challenge for party leadership is also an extension of that commitment. Following the late president's path is not about repeating the past but about realizing that spirit in a way that fits the times.

Politics is the story of humanity: The value of Jeong Cheong-rae

What is politics? It may seem like a battle of laws and systems, ideologies and lines, but ultimately, politics is the story of people. It is about winning hearts, protecting them, and moving forward together. Therefore, the tears of Representative Jeong Cheong-rae are special. A politician who can express emotions, who remembers where they come from, and who considers that memory a responsibility is a rare presence in this era. Visiting Bongha Village is often seen as a launching ceremony for challenging party leadership. Many politicians come here to pay their respects to the deceased and convey symbolic messages. However, Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's visit was different. It prioritized sincerity over formality and conviction over strategy. Thus, his tears remained a human moment rather than a political spectacle. We sometimes become cynical about politics. The more we do, the more we need politicians who have a human face. Roh Moo-hyun was one, and Jeong Cheong-rae is striving to be one. A politician who can cry, and whose tears convey meaning without the need for explanation, is an important clue that helps us trust politics again.

Jeong Cheong-rae's Resolution: Again, Like the First Time

The face of Member of Parliament Jeong Cheong-rae was filled with determination as he left the cemetery after the rain stopped. It seemed to contain a hope for the phrase "a world where people live" to come alive again. The next destination he headed for after leaving the cemetery was the Jagalchi Market in Busan, where he would meet with local citizens. He did not forget that the essence of politics lies in the field. As he said he would cherish it like at first, the original intention of politics is people. And that intention must live not in memory but in action. Jeong Cheong-rae’s visit to Bongha was not just a personal endeavor but a question and suggestion about the direction in which Korean politics should move forward. The ways of answering that question may vary, but it is everyone's wish that the heart behind it is genuine. That day, the commitment made at Bongha began again.