By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First lady Kim Keon-hee visited the Seoul National Military Cemetery to pay their respects at the gravesite of Mrs. Yuk Young-soo, the wife of the late former President Park Chung-hee, on the 50th anniversary of her death on Aug. 15.

They had heard that a memorial service for the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Yuk's death would be held at the Seoul National Military Cemetery at the same time as the Liberation Day ceremony.

In February, the President visited the birthplace of Mrs. Yuk Young-soo in Okcheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, for the first time as the incumbent president, and he had also visited her birthplace when he was a presidential candidate (August 21).

The President and his wife arrived at the Seoul National Military Cemetery and walked up to the mausoleum where Mrs. Yuk Young-soo is buried, guided by the head of the cemetery, Kwon Dae-il.

The President greeted the bereaved family members waiting in front of the mausoleum, including Chairman Park Ji-man, the son of the late former President Park Chung-hee.
 

After arriving at the mausoleum, the President and First Lady laid wreaths and incense, and observed a moment of silence in memory of Mrs. Yuk, who was attentive to those in need, including children and neighbors.

The President then briefly toured the mausoleum before walking down the aisle, telling Chairman Park, “I vividly remember the day Mrs. Yuk passed away,” and they mourned her together. Kim Keon-hee also asked President Park's family for their well-being.

Before leaving, the President wrote in the guest book, “We have not forgotten Mrs. Yuk, who served as a mother to the people,” honoring her love and dedication to the people.