Bereaved family members of the late President Kim Young-sam lay flowers and light incense in his honor on Nov. 26.
The funeral for former President Kim Young-sam, who was in office during Korea's 14th presidential term, took place at the National Assembly of Korea on Nov. 26.
In snowy weather, with temperatures dipping below zero, the funeral was attended by bereaved family members, government representatives, diplomats and leaders of civic groups.
The cortege carrying the coffin and portrait of former President Kim Young-sam passes through Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Nov. 26.
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn who oversaw the funeral said, “We are standing here, in this moment, to bid farewell to former President Kim Young-sam who towered like a mountain over the democratization of Korea. All of us are mourning the passing of the late president with deep sorrow and grief. Countries from around the globe have expressed their deep condolences for his passing.
“He devoted his whole life to the democratization of Korea. With his philosophy of 'A righteous way has no obstacles' (대도무문, 大道無門), and his firm belief in democracy, he laid the foundation for the nation’s democratic development, along with the people,” said the prime minister.
President Park Geun-hye mourns the passing of former President Kim Young-sam as she inspects the hearse carrying the coffin of the late president at Seoul National University Hospital on Nov. 26.
Prior to the funeral, President Park Geun-hye visited Seoul National University Hospital to witness the beginning of the late president's final journey. President Park consoled bereaved family members and bowed deeply as the coffin of the late president was carried to the hearse that then headed to the funeral venue.
Despite the cold weather, citizens mourned the passing of the late president with farewell greetings as the cortege approached the National Assembly of Korea, travelling along Sejong-no, through Gongdeok-dong and across the Mapodaegyo Bridge.
Many citizens paid their respects toward the hearse carrying the portrait and coffin of the late president as it headed from his home in Sangdo-dong, a neighborhood regarded as a pivot point of democratization in Korea. The cortege then wound its way past the memorial library and toward the National Cemetery of Korea.
Former President Kim, whose life itself embodies the history of Korea’s democratization, was finally laid to rest, in peace, at the National Cemetery of Korea.
By Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writers
Photos: Yonhap News
hanjeon@korea.kr
The cortege carrying the portrait and coffin of former President Kim Young-sam leaves the National Assembly of Korea after his funeral on Nov. 26.
The portrait and coffin of former President Kim Young-sam are carried to his burial site at the National Cemetery of Korea.
