The longing of Lee Jae-myung for Roh Hoe-chan
The longing of Lee Jae-myung for Roh Hoe-chan
President Lee Jae-myung did not have many direct connections with former lawmaker Roh Hwa-chan in their political activities, but he has long recognized him as a political mentor and a figure of admiration. Both men entered politics based on labor movements and have shared similar political stances on issues such as non-regular employment, chaebol reform, and prosecutorial reform. President Lee has publicly stated several times, "Lawmaker Roh Hwa-chan was someone who possessed what I lacked. He loved the world more than I did, was angrier at injustice, and always practiced politics with humor and inclusiveness."
First Encounter and Political Connection
The two individuals have records of encounters in various discussions and public settings since the mid-2000s, during which Lee Jae-myung was the mayor of Seongnam and Roh Hoi-chan was a member of the National Assembly, responding to each other's reform directions. There have been many instances where Lee Jae-myung expressed respect unilaterally rather than through formal collaboration. Lee Jae-myung once stated, 'Roh Hoi-chan was a senior who taught me what politics is when I was floundering.' The ideological foundation and practical approach of progressive politics that Roh Hoi-chan sought to implement in his lifetime somewhat align with the political direction that Lee Jae-myung advocates.
Funeral condolences and farewell speech in 2018
In July 2018, when Congressman Roh Hoe-chan passed away, then-Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung personally visited the Severance Hospital funeral hall in Sinchon, Seoul, to pay his respects. Lee stood in line with a serious expression as he waited for his turn to offer condolences, and after laying a flower, he comforted the bereaved family and officials from the Justice Party. Immediately after the visit, he expressed on his social media, "I cannot contain my grief over the unexpected news of Congressman Roh Hoe-chan's passing. I pray for the repose of his soul and convey my deep condolences to the bereaved family."
Repetitive Remembrance and Confession through SNS
After the passing of Congressman Roh Hoe-chan, Lee Jae-myung regularly posted commemorative messages on social media in line with his memorial dates. On July 23, 2021, marking the third anniversary, Lee Jae-myung published a lengthy post titled 'I Was Always Envious.' He wrote, 'Roh Hoe-chan's politics were imbued with laughter and warmth. He never tried to teach the people. I believe that his humble attitude towards the sovereign was the very source of his humor and inclusiveness.'
2025 Presidential Remembrance of Lee Jae-myung
On July 19, 2025, a memorial ceremony was held at the Masuk Moran Park cemetery to mark the 7th anniversary of Congressman Roh Hoe-chan's passing. It was confirmed through photographs that there was a large wreath with the nameplate 'President Lee Jae-myung' displayed at the venue. The wreath was composed of white chrysanthemums and was quietly placed to the right of the grave.
The Politics of Roh Hoe-chan as Remembered by Lee Jae-myung
President Lee Jae-myung did not remember the politics of the late Congressman Roh Hoe-chan as merely progressive politics. He stated, 'He always thought of people first. It was not about policy, but about people. I wanted to emulate that part.' Congressman Roh Hoe-chan's political stance was focused on reforming conglomerates, checking the power of the prosecution, protecting the rights of minorities, and safeguarding the rights of non-regular workers.
Commitment to Inherit and Practical Actions in Real Politics
President Lee Jae-myung has repeatedly pledged to 'fulfill Roh Hoe-chan's dream' on several occasions. In a tribute written in 2021, he stated, 'The politics he wanted to pursue, the world he aimed to create, I will surely achieve.' Subsequently, during the presidential election process, he continuously promised to protect the socially vulnerable, ensure fair opportunities, and strengthen power oversight.
Silence's Harmony, Wordless Longing
In July 2025, President Lee Jae-myung sent flowers without a separate message. The flowers were respectfully delivered in the name of the president and were quietly placed in front of the late lawmaker's grave alongside mourners. This act of mourning, expressed through the flowers without any official statements or social media posts, was a way to convey inner longing and respect, rather than public praise and political expression.
Silent longing, continuing memories
Former lawmaker Roh Hyeon-chang was a politician who embodied justice, humor, inclusiveness, and anger during his lifetime. President Lee Jae-myung deeply respected him and repeatedly expressed his condolences and commitments. Since becoming president, he has expressed his longing through harmony without direct mention, yet the unchanged emotions and responsibilities remain within.
Post a Comment