Song Young-gil Apologizes to Jung Cheong-rae Over 'Roh Moo-hyun Spirit' Remarks Controversy

Rep. Song Young-gil of the Democratic Party of Korea has apologized to former Rep. Jung Cheong-rae. Song corrected past remarks that caused misunderstanding regarding the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's funeral attendance, stating they were factually incorrect. Through his Facebook account, Song Young-gil apologized and corrected the factual basis of his previous statement that former Rep. Jung Cheong-rae could not attend former President Roh Moo-hyun's funeral on May 23, 2009. Song stated, "I said he could not attend the funeral because I had no memory of seeing Rep. Jung Cheong-rae that day." He added, "After seeing an interview with Rep. Jung, he was in China and couldn't attend, but attended the next day, so I will correct my remarks. I apologize.".

Song also pointed out that Jung was at the forefront of opposition when former President Roh Moo-hyun pushed for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). Song maintained his stance that it was inappropriate for Jung, who had distanced himself from Nosamo (a fan club for Roh Moo-hyun), to invoke Roh Moo-hyun's direct lineage to attack other candidates.

Song announced he planned to visit Bongha Village in Gyeongnam on the same day and stated, "The true successors of Roh Moo-hyun today are not Jung Cheong-rae, Kim Min-seok, or Song Young-gil, but the awakened citizens who must protect and ensure the success of President Lee Jae-myung, the second Roh Moo-hyun, and pledge not to repeat President Roh Moo-hyun's tragedy." He emphasized the success of President Lee Jae-myung and the prevention of a recurrence of President Roh Moo-hyun's tragedy.

This 'lineage debate,' which erupted among candidates vying for the Democratic Party's leadership ahead of the party's national convention, spread after former Rep. Jung Cheong-rae referred to himself as a 'Roh Moo-hyun kid.' Song's apology and partial revision of his stance come amid this development, with future political repercussions within the party drawing attention.