Mrs. Kim Ok-sook pays her first tribute at the May 18 Memorial Park

Mrs. Kim Ok-sook (90), the widow of late former President Roh Tae-woo, visited the Gwangju National May 18th Democratic Cemetery on the 45th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement to express her apologies in place of her deceased husband.

According to the management office of the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery on the 19th, Mrs. Kim visited the cemetery for a tribute on that day.

This was Mrs. Kim's first visit since the establishment of the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in 1997, adding historic significance to the occasion.

Accompanied by her son Roh Jae-heon (60), the president of the East Asia Culture Center, and some aides, Mrs. Kim, who was in a wheelchair, offered incense at the memorial altar and left a message in the guestbook stating, "I sincerely apologize and thank the spirits of the May 18th martyrs. I have made efforts to resolve past grievances in my own way, but I ask for your generous forgiveness for my shortcomings. I hope you will forever watch over the future of the Republic of Korea."

Due to her declining health, Mrs. Kim had her son Roh Jae-heon write the guestbook entry on her behalf.

"This might be my last May"… A tribute made despite health deterioration

Mrs. Kim was unable to respond directly to reporters' questions due to her health issues.

Roh stated, "Her health has deteriorated significantly, and I thought this might be her last May, so I brought her here despite the difficulty," explaining the background of the tribute.

He added, "My mother has always expressed her desire to visit at least once. After her first visit to the Mangwol-dong Cemetery in 1988, she wanted to come again but couldn't make it."

On that day, Mrs. Kim also visited the Mangwol-dong Cemetery, known as the May 18th old cemetery, to pay her respects at the grave of martyr Lee Han-yeol before visiting the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery.

This was her second visit since she paid her respects to Lee’s grave after attending the inauguration ceremony of former President Roh Tae-woo on February 25, 1988.

At that time, the Roh Tae-woo administration began efforts to compensate and restore the dignity of the victims of the May 18th Democratic Movement. However, due to suspicions regarding the involvement in the decision to deploy martial law forces during the May 18th incident, they did not fully receive the forgiveness of the Gwangju citizens.

Former President Roh Tae-woo passed away at the age of 88 on October 26, 2021, and frequently mentioned issues regarding apologies and compensation related to the May 18th incident during his lifetime.

Roh Jae-heon has visited the May 18th Cemetery several times in accordance with his father's wishes, and this time accompanied his mother, Mrs. Kim Ok-sook, to honor her desire.

After the tribute, Roh shared, "My mother expressed her wish to pay her respects again before her passing. Our family had been cautious due to health issues, but since this year could be her last May, even knowing it was difficult, I brought her."

He continued, "I believe it is important to show, through actions, how our parents viewed the May 18th incident. I feel deeply saddened by the sacrifices of the May 18th spirits. I once again offer my apologies and am sincerely sorry."

The tribute was quietly conducted without prior notice to the May 18th cemetery management office, and Mrs. Kim returned to Seoul with only Roh and a few aides after completing her tribute.

Mrs. Kim's visit holds significance for healing past wounds and reconciliation on the 45th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement, drawing attention from both the political arena and civil society.

In particular, this visit, made despite her old age and declining health, is being regarded as a meaningful step toward historical reconciliation and forgiveness.

Image sources: Mrs. Kim Ok-sook, wife of former President Roh Tae-woo, pays tribute at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju, Buk-gu, Unjeong-dong, on the 19th. Accompanying her at the tribute is her son Roh Jae-heon, chairman of the East Asia Culture Center foundation. 2025.5.19 / News1, Mrs. Kim Ok-sook pays tribute at the Mangwol-dong National Democratic Martyrs' Cemetery (old cemetery) in Gwangju Buk-gu on the 19th. Accompanying her at the tribute is her son Roh Jae-heon. 2025.5.19 / News1, Flowers placed at the grave of martyr Lee Han-yeol by Mrs. Kim Ok-sook at the Mangwol-dong Cemetery on the 19th. 2025.5.19 / News1, The guestbook entry left by Mrs. Kim Ok-sook at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery on the 19th. 2025.5.19 / News1