The late former President Chun Doo-hwan's wife, Lee Soon-ja, said today (27th), "After the funeral, on behalf of my family, I want to deeply apologize on behalf of my husband to those who suffered and were hurt during his husband's tenure."



Lee appeared as the representative of the bereaved family at the funeral ceremony held at the funeral hall of Sinchon Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul today, and said, "Looking back, my husband resigned from public office and we went through a lot of things. He used to say," he said.



This is the first time in over 41 years since the armed suppression of the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980 that Chun's side publicly apologized for a historical mistake.



During the 5-day market, reporters repeatedly asked Mr. Lee and his family about their position on the May 18 Democratization Movement, etc., but they remained silent, and they bowed their heads only before cremation.



Fortunately, while reading the eulogy that Mr. Lee had written in advance for about 3 minutes and 15 seconds, the part where he apologized was only 15 seconds.



The rest was devoted mainly to confiding in grievous recollections.



Lee said, "My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2013 and suffered from memory and cognitive impairment.



He then recalled the time of his death, saying, "On the morning of November 23, when he was enduring a hard life, he got my support and got up from his seat, and then suddenly collapsed and died in my arms."



He said, "I couldn't express the tragic and miserable feelings of having to leave my husband, who I had been with as a couple for 62 years, but I think I should be grateful that I was able to leave this world in a comfortable and painless way."



“My husband usually told me to keep the funeral simple and not make a grave when he died,” Lee said.



She continued, "It happened suddenly, so the funeral was held safely thanks to your encouragement and help. I will," he said.



Mr. Lee said, "During the funeral, I was not able to show respect to those who came to condolences due to lack of business. Please forgive me generously."