Roh Tae-woo

• 1945.3. Graduated from Daegu Gongsan Elementary School
• 1945.4. Entered Daegu Technical Middle School
• 1948.8. Transferred to 4th grade at Gyeongbuk Middle School
• 1951.8. Graduated from Gyeongbuk High School
• 1951.10. Entered the 11th class of the Korea Military Academy
• 1955.2. Graduated from the Military Academy and commissioned second lieutenant in the Army
• 1956. 5th Infantry Division Platoon Commander
• 1958. Army Infantry School Education Regiment Gu Commander
• 1959. Completion of Army Infantry School
• 1959.12. USA North Carolina Completion of port brag special school and psychological school
• 1960. Promoted to captain , officer in charge of English translation at Military Information College
• 1961.5. Seoul National University College of Education ROTC Instructor
• 1966 .​
• 1967. Promoted to lieutenant colonel , dispatched to Vietnam War , commander of 3rd Battalion (Reconstruction Battalion), 1st Regiment, Capital Mechanized Infantry Division
• 1968. Completion of Army College , Battalion Commander of Capital Guard Division
• 1970. Promoted to Colonel , Army Chief of Staff Senior Adjutant Officer
• 1971 .
• 1974.1. Promoted to Brigadier General, Commander of the 9th Airborne Special Forces Brigade
• 1978.1. Promoted to major general, deputy chief of operations for the Presidential Security Office (Park Chung-hee government)
• 1979.3. Commander of the 9th Infantry Division (Park Chung-hee government)
• 1979.12. Commander of the Capital Security Command (Choi Gyu-ha government)
• 1980.5. National Security Legislative Council Emergency Response Member ( Choi Gyu-ha Government )
• 1980.8. Promoted to lieutenant general , ROK Security Commander (1980.8.21. ~1981.7.14.) ( Chun Doo-hwan Administration )
• 1981.7. Captain promotion and reserve captain discharge,[19] Member of the Democratic Justice Party , member of the party committee
• 1981.7. Secretary of the Invitation Festival ,[20] Presidential Foreign Affairs Security Officer ( Chun Doo -hwan Government )
• 1981.9. Standing member of the National Security Council
• 1981.11. Presidential envoy (Chun Doo-hwan government)
• 1982.2. Chief Representative for Inter-Korean High-level Talks (Chun Doo-hwan Government)
• 1982.3. 1st Minister of Sports (1982.3.20. ~ 1982.4.28.) (Chun Doo-hwan Administration)
• 1982.4. 41st Minister of Home Affairs (1982.4.28. ~ 1983.7.6.) (Chun Doo-hwan Administration)
• 1983.7. 1988 Seoul Olympic Organizing Committee Chairman (Chun Doo-hwan Administration)
• 1984.10. President of Korea Sports Association (Chun Doo-hwan government)
• 1985.2. Member of the 12th National Assembly ( first election / National District No. 3 / Democratic Justice Party)[21]
• 1985.2. Representative of the Democratic Justice Party
• 1987.6. 13th Presidential Election Democratic Justice Presidential Candidate
• 1987.7. Democratic Justice Party Governor's authority[22]
• 1987.8. Democratic Justice Governor
• 1987.12.16. 13th presidential election election
• 1988.2. Democratic Justice Governor's Governor
• 1988.2.25.~1993.2.24. 13th President of the Republic of Korea
• 1988.2. Awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa
• 1990.2.~1990.5. Democratic Liberal Party Supreme Council Member[23]
• 1990.5. Democratic Liberal Party Governor
• 1992.5. Democratic Liberal Party Governor
• 1992.8. Honorary governor of the Democratic Liberal Party[24]
• 1999.6. Advisor to the Baekbeom Memorial Hall Establishment Committee

“ The former president ’s personality is to run ahead of anyone else when something happens . But if you run hard, there are many opportunities, but you could collide with others, be isolated, or fall down . I think that was my role."

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Roh Tae-woo's memoir published in Monthly Chosun in September 1999

• Born in Yeongnam : Chun Doo-hwan is from Gyeongsangnam-do He was born in Hapcheon-gun , and Roh Tae-woo was born in Daegu Metropolitan City . Of course, Chun Doo-hwan was born in Hapcheon and actually spent his childhood and adolescence in Daegu, so both can be seen as being from Daegu.[30]

• Born during the Japanese colonial period ( 1930s ), neither of them changed their names to Chang.

• died in 2021

• A funeral is held with cremation . The cremated location is the same at Seoul Memorial Park . Even the crematorium is the same (cremator no. 9)

• Participation in the 6.25 War

• Daegu Technical Middle School alumni: Chun Doo-hwan is the 24th mechanical major and Roh Tae-woo is the 22nd electrical major. However, Roh Tae-woo transferred to Gyeongbuk High School and graduated there.

• Military Academy 11th class

• Hana's key character

• Instructor in charge of daily life at an officer training institution. Chun Doo-hwan, Seoul National University school corps Disciplinary officer , Roh Tae-woo is the former captain of the Army Infantry School .

• Vietnam War troop commander. Chun Doo-hwan is the commander of the 29th Regiment of the Baekma Unit , and Roh Tae-woo is the commander of the Jaegu Battalion of the Fierce Tiger Unit .

• Republic of Korea Army Reserve Captain

• Blue house Deputy Chief of the Presidential Security Office - Chun Doo-hwan is Deputy Chief of Operations, and Roh Tae-woo is Deputy Chief of Administrative Affairs. Afterwards, Roh Tae-woo also served as deputy chief of operations.

• Special Warfare Brigade Experience -Chun Doo -hwan is the 1st Airborne Special Brigade Commissioner, and Roh Tae -woo is the 9th Airborne Privilege

• Division commander of the 1st Corps - Chun Doo- hwan of the 1st Infantry Division , Roh Tae-woo of the 9th Infantry Division

• military security commander

• Leading the 12.12 Military Rebellion

• Democratic Justice Party President

• President of the Republic of Korea

• redemption and pardon

• Seoul City Seodaemun-gu Living in Yeonhui-dong

• Both were young when they were young. Chun Doo -hwan was originally from athletes (soccer goalkeepers), and Roh Tae -woo also had an excellent performance in his physical strength in his cadet. As mentioned above, both are special warfare , so we can see that it is a strong bone.

• Surprisingly, there are similarities with Russian presidents , and it is subtly similar to the relationship between Putin and Medvedev . If Chun Doo-hwan is in Vladimir Putin’s position,[31] Roh Tae-woo is in Dmitry Medvedev's position.[33]

• After becoming president, Roh Tae-woo's political activities tended to be moderate, almost in contrast to Chun Doo-hwan's, who was a hardline type . Sogang University professor Son Ho-cheol, a representative progressive figure, said that former President Roh Tae-woo was the president who promoted the most progressive economic policy in the history of Korea . Land reform and northern foreign policy are also cited as representative policy differences from his predecessors. In particular, land reform and economic democratization based on the public land concept were progressive economic policies that even some of the opposition parties expressed concerns about going too far ahead . In addition, during his presidency, he recognized opposition leader Kim Dae-jung as a partner in state affairs, and constantly arranged meetings between the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties and sought advice. listened and accepted. He also had a solo leadership meeting with the People's Party, a progressive party outside the academy .

• This is one of the representative differences. While Chun Doo-hwan was a dictator who lacked legitimacy as he never became president through direct elections and was elected twice through indirect elections , also known as ' gymnasium elections , ' Roh Tae-woo was a leader who was elected president through direct elections introduced after the June 29 Declaration . One of the reasons why the evaluations of Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo differ greatly even though they are from the same Hanahoe is that former President Roh Tae-woo, unlike Chun Doo-hwan, was a person with clear political legitimacy.

• Chun Doo -hwan has never been a member of the National Assembly and has never run for the National Assembly , but Roh Tae -woo was elected to the 12th National Assembly election and served as a member of the National Assembly.

• While Chun Doo-hwan never served as a member of the State Council, Roh Tae-woo was the 2nd Secretary of State during the Chun Doo-hwan regime.[34] , Minister of Sports and Minister of Home Affairs . Instead, Chun Doo-hwan held high-ranking government posts as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency at the level of deputy prime minister.

• During his military service years, Chun Doo-hwan was unable to study.[35] Roh Tae-woo was a very excellent cadet not only in studies but also in physical education. However, thanks to Chun Doo-hwan's unique leadership, he went ahead of Roh Tae-woo as the leader of the 11th Korean Military Academy.

• Unlike the Chun Doo-hwan administration, which tried to secretly hold a summit with North Korea with related departments and some aides, but failed due to opposition from ruling party officials, the Roh Tae-woo administration openly drafted the Inter-Korean Basic Agreement, which contained the principle that the two Koreas pursue peaceful unification . , signed by former Prime Minister Kang Young- hun, and succeeded in promoting the Northern Policy to establish diplomatic ties with former communist countries in Eastern Europe. In the process, an indefinite loan of 1.47 billion dollars was provided to the Soviet Union, which caused a great stir at the time. However, Russia, which succeeded the Soviet Union from the 1990s to the present, did not directly tackle Korea's inter-Korean policy . There is an opinion that this 1.47 billion dollars worked as an invisible string.

• Unlike Chun Doo -hwan, who is suspected of avoiding payment along with the allegation that he announced a reduction in the size of his property and transferred most of his property to the name of his second daughter-in-law, Park Sang-ah, in paying the surcharge, Roh Tae-woo paid it in full, unwilling to file a lawsuit against Shindongbang Group, his in-law. did

• While Chun Doo- hwan's family caused many problems, including his wife, younger brother, son, and granddaughter who caused controversy over hatred for his country, Roh Tae-woo's family was relatively quiet. Although all of his children experienced divorce , Roh So -young 's divorce was a big deal because her husband was such a famous person ... In addition, her husband, Chairman Choi Tae-won, had an affair , so Roh So-young was actually a victim.[36] Of course, Noh So-young, the children of Roh Tae-woo,[37] Noh Jae-heon also had his own private life turmoil, such as divorce, but in Noh So-young's case, it was quietly buried by her father's big-time gossip, and in the case of Noh Jae-heon, it was treated as a family matter, so other than being a brief topic of conversation, there was not much of a repercussion. Furthermore, in 2019, Noh Jae-heon even apologized to the victims of the Gwangju Democratization Movement on behalf of his father.

• The issue of military service for descendants is also contrasted. Chun Doo-hwan's eldest son Jeon Jae-guk served relatively easily as a master's officer despite being subject to military service, but Roh Tae-woo's granddaughter Choi Min-jung served in the Republic of Korea Navy despite being a woman who was not subject to military service. He enlisted as a bachelor officer , served in the military for three years, and was eventually discharged as a second lieutenant. However, in the case of Noh Jae-heon, he was a master's officer. However, Noh Jang-ho, the eldest grandson of Roh Tae-woo and son of Noh Jae-heon, completed his military service as an active soldier. Since he was born in the United States and grew up in the United States, he was more familiar with English than Korean and was sent home from a training camp. However, after taking a Korean language course at a Korean language academy, he re-enlisted and was discharged as a sergeant in the Army.

• Their personalities are also very different. Chun Doo-hwan always stands at the forefront, acts like a patriarchal elder, and is the type to deal with people by running with his feet and touching people with his hands, but Roh Tae-woo is calm and likes to listen to others' opinions. There is also a bit of a hikikomori temperament.

• It is said that Chun Doo-hwan was very interested in studying economics, and perhaps because of this, he had a lot of confidence in the economic performance during his term as president . On the other hand, Roh Tae-woo had no interest in studying economics, but he was quick to understand the field of diplomacy. Perhaps that is why Roh Tae-woo's diplomatic achievements such as the Inter-Korean Basic Agreement and the Northern Policy stood out during his term as president .

• Chun Doo -hwan showed a healthy appearance in the 80's, and was quite healthy in 2020 , the previous year of the death of his death , and in 2021 , his health deteriorated and began to suffer from multiple myeloma . In comparison, Roh Tae -woo, who had just passed the seven -year -old , suffered from prostate cancer , and then suffered cerebral atrophy. I couldn't get up from the bed and blinked my eyes, so I couldn't do my health for nearly 20 years, so I died on October 26, 2021, and passed away 28 days before Chun Doo -hwan.

• Unlike Chun Doo-hwan , he was the most active in expressing reflection and apology among those responsible for the May 18 Democratization Movement . On May 18, 2020, his son Noh Jae-heon visited the National May 18th Democracy Cemetery in place of Roh Tae-woo, who is currently critically ill and cannot visit in person, and paid tribute to the 13th President Roh Tae-woo, the May 18th Democracy Hero, for the first time in 40 years. An artificial flower with a ribbon attached was offered as a wreath. This is the only and first time that one of the children of the person responsible for the May 18 Democratization Movement massacre personally laid flowers at the altar and apologized.[38] In an interview, "It is said that the victims and their bereaved families will kneel until they say, 'Enough is enough.'" # He once again expressed his apology in a suicide note released posthumously. Perhaps this was reflected, when former President Roh Tae-woo died on October 26, 2021, Park Nam-sun, who was the head of the citizen army's situation room during the May 18 Democratization Movement, personally came to offer condolences. Unlike Chun Doo-hwan, who was called Roh Tae-woo, he is often referred to as ‘former president.’

• Likewise, after his death, Roh Tae-woo was given a state funeral, but Chun Doo-hwan was not. In other words, Roh Tae-woo was treated as a president, but Chun Doo-hwan was not. Roh Tae-woo received the courtesy befitting a former president, with Son Beom-soo presiding over the funeral and Insooni singing a memorial song. If a famous broadcaster had appeared at Chun Doo-hwan's funeral, it would have been a huge controversy. In addition, during the process of creating a cemetery after his death, Roh Tae-woo was buried in Paju without public opinion opposing his burial. Although he was buried in Dongwha Gyeongmo Park , Chun Doo-hwan's remains are temporarily placed in his home as the burial site has not been decided yet due to strong public opinion opposing his burial.[39]

• At the time of death, both Chun Doo -hwan and Roh Tae -woo were overwhelming, but Roh passed away without being cumulative. Also, the month of death is October, and Chun Doo -hwan is November. On the basis of family members' birthday, Roh Tae -woo died, unlike Chun Doo -hwan.

• Chun Doo-hwan was a Catholic (baptismal name: Peter), but later converted to Buddhism. Accordingly, the coffin ceremony of Chun Doo-hwan's funeral was held in a Buddhist manner. On the other hand, former President Roh Tae-woo was a Buddhist but later converted to Catholicism (baptismal name: Apostle John). Accordingly, former President Roh Tae-woo's inauguration ceremony was held in a Catholic manner. However, both Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo enshrined 49 ashes and memorial tablets at Donghwasa Temple in Daegu. For reference, there are photos of visits to Daegu Dongwha Temple during the times of Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo.

• Reporter Lee Jang-gyu, who summarized the economies of the Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo administrations , compared the two people's styles regarding bribery. Chun Doo-hwan knew well the necessity and importance of money, perhaps because he had been the leader for a long time. So, when he received a bribe, he actively solved the difficulties faced by the companies and actively distributed it as a bonus. Although the salaries of civil servants were low, they were given a daily salary when they went on overseas business trips or received support from related companies to ensure that they had no shortage of money when they went on overseas business trips. In contrast, the Roh Tae-woo administration initially distanced itself from bribery, conscious that it was the first president to have a direct election since democratization. It is said that civil servants suffered greatly due to reduced daily salary and lack of support during overseas business trips. However, from the middle of his term, President Roh Tae-woo realized that it was almost impossible to do politics without money and accepted bribes. However, he was not active in resolving the difficulties faced by companies by looking at public opinion, and he was also stingy with the money that was distributed to those around him through Geumilbong. As a result, the dissatisfaction of companies and officials was enormous, leading to Chung Ju-young's criticism of Roh Tae-woo and his candidacy for president. In particular, it is said that the anger and sense of despondency in the public service community was great during the Roh Tae-woo slush fund scandal in 1995.

Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan at the 13th Presidential Election National Convention

"History has planted an irreparable path of love and hatred in their friendship. Each time our history took a step toward democracy, their bad ties deepened."

---

In the last episode of the drama The 5th Republic

• Father Noh Byeong-su _{(1901 ~ 1940)} / Mother Kim Tae-hyang _{(1907 ~ 1999)}
  • Noh Tae-woo _{(1932 ~ 2021)} / Wife Kim Ok-sook _{(1935 ~ )}
    • Daughter Noh So-young _{(1961 ~ )} / Wife Choi Tae-won _{(1960 ~ )}
      • Granddaughter Choi Yun-jeong _{(1989 ~ )}
      • Granddaughter Choi Min-jeong _{(1991 ~ )}
      • Grandson Choi In-geun _{(1995 ~ )}
    • Son Noh Jae-heon _{(1965 ~ )} / wife Shin Jeong-hwa
      • Grandson Noh Jang-ho _{(1995 ~ )}
      • Granddaughter Noh Ji-young _{(1999 ~ )}
      • Grandson Noh Ji-ho _{(2002 ~ )}
  • Younger brother No Jae-woo _{(1937 ~)}
    • Nephew Noh Ho-jun _{(1962 ~)}
    • Nephew Noh Sung-jun _{(1964 ~)}

• Artisan Kim Young-han _{(1905 ~ 1980)} / Mother-in-law Hong Moo-gyeong _{(1908 ~ 1997)}
  • Brother-in-law Kim Jin-dong _{(1927 ~ )}
  • Brother-in-law Kim Ik-dong _{(1930 ~ 2022)}
  • Brother-in-law Kim Bok-dong _{(1933 ~ 2000)}
  • Sister-in-law Kim Jeong-sook _{(1937 ~ )} / Wife Geum Jin-ho _{(1932 ~ 2024)}

• It is a fact that many people have overlooked, but he participated in the December 12 Military Rebellion as the commander of the 9th Division , but was photographed as the commander of the Capital Security Command in the group photo commemorating the success of the military revolt. As of 09:00 a.m. on the 13th , the new military government carried out military killings, promoting Lee Hee -seong , head of the Central Intelligence Agency, from lieutenant general to general and serving as the Army Chief of Staff, 9th Infantry Division Commander Roh Tae-woo as commander of the Capital Security Command, and 50th Infantry Division Commander Jeong Ho-yong as commander of the Army Special Operations Command. Therefore, "Roh Tae-woo in the group photo commemorating the success of the military rebellion (= Roh Tae-woo on December 14, 1979)" is not the commander of the 9th Infantry Division, but the commander of the Capital Security Command .

Roh Tae-woo in a group photo[47] The yellow Capital Security Command unit mark is clearly visible on the left shoulder of the major general's military uniform .

• Although he worked hard to hire a separate calligraphy teacher and created many calligraphy works, they are rarely traded at auction. The market price is estimated to be around 800,000 to 1 million won. It is about half the market price of Chun Doo-hwan 's calligraphy works.

• Although he was a member of Park Chung-hee 's royal family and a member of Hanahoe , which led the December 12 Rebellion, he, unlike Chun Doo-hwan , showed his intelligence during his school days, military service, and Park Chung-hee's time. For reference, I even worked as an English teacher at the Military Academy. In particular, after becoming president, he kicked out Chun Doo-hwan, who was his friend and comrade in arms for a year, into exile at Baekdamsa Temple, tried to recruit his biggest political enemies, Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung, formed a three-party merger with Kim Young-sam and Kim Jong-pil , and even during his time as president, he frequently invited various talented people, including Kim Young-sam, to discuss major issues. Unlike Chun Doo-hwan, who does not admit any wrongdoing regarding the May 18th Democratization Movement , Roh Tae-woo's son, Roh Jae-heon, visits Gwangju in person several times and repeatedly apologizes for the May 18th Movement, which is why he is evaluated relatively positively when compared to Chun Doo-hwan. Kim Young-sam, who hated Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan until his death, did not have much of an issue with Roh Tae-woo, perhaps because of this.[48]

• The SBS comedy program 'Comedy Punch Punch' , which aired in 1996 when Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were tried, had a corner called 'Learn to be a Namjoon', and the drama Kim Ki-seop , who also appeared as Roh Tae-woo , was cast along with Park Yong-sik , who played the role of Chun Doo-hwan in The Fourth Republic . Here, Kim Ki-seop's catchphrase 'Friend~' was a huge hit at the time. Two years later, a neighboring broadcasting station In the early days of the Gag Concert , Shim Hyun-seop parodied it once more. Thanks to this, many people still often use the expression ‘Friend’ when imitating Roh Tae-woo’s vocal cords . It's ironic that they both came from MBC dramas. Even more ironically, Jeong Jong-jun, who played Chun Doo-hwan in SBS's Koreagate, also appeared here.

• spoke English very well. Thanks to his English skills, he was such an all-rounder that he once worked as an English instructor. During his visit to the United States in October 1989, he gave a speech in English at the U.S. Capitol, which was only the second Korean president to do so since Syngman Rhee 's speech to the U.S. Congress in 1954. #

• Worked out well. However, he was not very interested in sports itself, and he only played rugby in his youth or tennis in his spare time. He contrasts with Chun Doo -hwan, who was interested in soccer, baseball and even boxing . So, Min Gwan-sik , who was also a politician and sports figure, secretly disparaged Roh Tae-woo while comparing the two in his memoirs.[49]

• Although he was born in the 1930s, when the average number of children was five, he had only one son and one daughter, making him a rare family with few children by the standards of the time. However, he is considered a president with a very splendid in-laws and personal connections spanning the political and business worlds. Daughter Noh So- young joined Sunkyung Group in 1988.[50] He married Chairman Choi Jong- hyun's eldest son, Choi Tae-won , and his son Noh Jae-heon founded Dongbang Yuryang , a mid-sized company, in 1990. He married Chairman Shin Myung-soo 's eldest daughter, Shin Jeong-hwa, and became an in-law. Adding to this his wife's family, he is connected to the political and business world, including former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Jin -ho Geum (Dong-seo). However, what they have in common is that all of their children subsequently experienced divorce . Noh Jae-heon divorced in 2013, and Noh So-young also divorced in 2025 after a long legal battle, but the dispute over property division continues to this day.

• My granddaughter Choi Min -jung was appointed as a naval officer. In November 2017, Lieutenant Lieutenant.

• In 2015, KBS News revealed on November 22, 2015 that he was battling cancer and was in poor health. Kim Young-sam, who died on the same day Unable to go to the former president 's funeral in person, he sent his son Noh Jae-heon instead. Noh Jae-heon, who visited the funeral, met Kim Hyeon-cheol, the son of the deceased.

• Sage Besame Mucho lived and lived. In fact, there is a record that sang, and it was quite good.

• One of his parents is also the president who survived when he took office. Roh Tae -woo's mother, Kim Tae -hyang (金泰, 1907 ~ 1999), is one of the five people who watched his son was elected president in his lifetime.[52] The rest of the people are Kim Young -sam Kim 's father, Kim Hong -jo (金 洪祚, 1911 ~ 2008) Ong and Moon Jae -in Former President Kang Han -ok (1928 ~ 2019), Ms. Yoon Seok -yeol Professor Yoon Ki -jung of the former president and Professor Choi Sung -ja, former Ewha Womans University. Kim Tae -hyang died six years after his son retired from the president, on April 5, 1999, at the age of 92.[53]

• During the 13th presidential election, Roh Tae-woo campaigned and carried a girl around with him. The girl is believed to have been born around 1980 or 1981. #

• Until Moon Jae-in , he was considered the most handsome person among all presidents .[54] In fact, there is a rumor going around that there was a case among the elders living at the time who chose Roh Tae -woo because it was a statue of Buddha.[55] The difference from the former presidents above is that I like him better when he is middle-aged or older than when he was young.[56] In addition , because his wife was also beautiful, his children Noh So-young and Noh Jae-heon , and his granddaughters Choi Yun-jeong and Choi Min-jeong also inherited quite good looks. Perhaps for this reason, handsome actors have mainly played roles in the media.

• The three Kims, Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Kim Jong-pil, all disliked Chun Doo-hwan, but were somewhat sympathetic to Roh Tae-woo. Unlike Chun Doo-hwan, who oppressed them harshly, Roh Tae-woo relaxed their political restrictions and did not interfere with them in any way possible. He considered Samgim as an important political partner in running the government , and tried to listen to their opinions by meeting frequently. Crucially, he joined forces with the remaining two of the Samgim, excluding Kim Dae-jung.

• While efforts were made to join forces and reconcile with Kim Young-sam , Kim Dae-jung , and Kim Jong-pil , they ended up sending Chun Doo-hwan to Baekdamsa Temple . In fact, among the three major generals ( Chun Doo-hwan , Roh Tae-woo, and Cha Ji-cheol ) who played a powerful role in the last days of the Park Chung-hee government , Roh Tae-woo had the most democratic personality and made some efforts to lay the foundation for a civilian government . However, the problem was that Roh Tae-woo himself participated in the December 12 military uprising , was the second-in-command after Chun Doo-hwan, and was personally a friend of Chun Doo-hwan, so there were limits to his ability to liquidate the military dictatorship. It was during the civilian government that the military dictatorship began to be eradicated in earnest .

• As of 2017, when you search for Roh Tae-woo on Google , Roh Tae-woo's swimsuit unexpectedly pops up as an autocomplete. This is because of NTW-20, nicknamed after him . There are actual photos.

• As of July 2019, suspicions of plotting election fraud in the 1987 presidential election were made public through foreign media. #

• He is the second president to take office on February 25th and retire on February 24th, following his predecessor Chun Doo-hwan . After democratization, this record continues until Lee Myung-bak .

• Same date as the 5th-9th President Park Chung -hee. 42 years difference.

• When he died on October 26, 2021, he lived the third longest life among all presidents who passed away, following Yun Bo-seon and Rhee Syngman . Four weeks later, on November 23, Chun Doo-hwan died, making him the fourth longest-lived president in history. As a side note, the only current presidents alive are Lee Myung-bak , Park Geun-hye , and Moon Jae-in, who were elected during the Sixth Republic .

• In Russia , it was hardened into an erroneously transcribed spelling of 'Rodaewoo (Ро Дэ У)'. The surname 'No' is not a problem because the original sound is 'Lo', but[57] , 'tae' was mistranslated even though there was no room for it to be voiced. As a rule, Но Тхэу is correct.

• Kim Jong-in served as Minister of Health and Social Affairs and Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs as his closest associate. It is said that at the time, both the Minister of Finance and the Director of the Economic Planning Board were so powerful that they nominated someone who was similar to them and became senior economic secretary. Even though he was the Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs, he was deeply involved in diplomatic issues. The first presidential election in which Kim Jong-in, who has been active as a political strategist for a long time, played the role of kingmaker is sometimes seen as the 13th presidential election.

• If you look back at the history of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, he is the first minister and the only male minister . This is because the position of Second Minister of Political Affairs, held by Roh Tae-woo during the Chun Doo-hwan administration, was later reorganized into the Minister of Gender Equality and Family . However, during the Chun Doo-hwan administration, the Second Minister of Political Affairs was in charge of national security-related work, and only after Roh Tae-woo became president did he carry out women and youth-related work as he does today, so Roh Tae-woo was not in charge of women and youth work.

• When I was young, I had a serious head injury, and it was not because of anything else, but because I fell off a train. At that time, trains were operated by slow steam locomotives and the tracks were not straightened or double-tracked as they are today, so their speed was only 30 to 50 km. As a result, tobinori (jumping or jumping off the train when it turns a curve) has been prevalent since the Japanese colonial period. This practice disappeared after industrialization with the introduction of diesel locomotives and increased train speed. Roh Tae-woo, a young officer who grew up seeing this, often jumped off the train before it stopped and landed on the platform while commuting to his base by train to look cool. As a result, he hit his head hard on the concrete sculpture of the platform. At the time, he suffered a serious head injury and was unable to see clearly, but he barely managed to get to the emergency room relying on his faint vision and barely recovered. As a bonus, Kim Ok-sook, who was the younger sister of Kim Bok-dong, a classmate at the military academy , nursed him, which helped them become closer and lead to their marriage. However, this may have had some influence on the chronic disease cerebellar atrophy that came to him a long time later.

• When Kim Bok-dong , a brother-in-law and member of the Democratic Liberal Party, submitted a notice of withdrawal from the party and attempted to return to his constituency due to friction in the Sangdo-dong faction after the merger of the three parties, the police and the National Intelligence Service were mobilized to drag him from Dongdaegu IC back to Seoul. In the early 1990s, cell phones, let alone smartphones , were not yet available, so of course both[58] Our company was shaken by the news of Kim Bok-dong's disappearance , and the situation finally calmed down when reporters noticed Kim Bok-dong attending a dinner party with Roh Tae-woo. From Roh Tae-woo's point of view , he took unreasonable measures to prevent his close colleague and brother-in- law from changing his party affiliation to the Unification National Party . However, Kim Bok-dong eventually switched party affiliation to the Unification People's Party , and the two did not meet for a while, but after leaving office, they met again in January 1994 when Roh Tae-woo attended Kim Bok-dong's daughter's wedding .

• After the slush fund scandal, it was revealed that former President Roh Tae-woo and his wife had been making monthly donations to Kkottongnae in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, and the amount was frowned upon when it was revealed that the amount was not 2 million won, 200,000 won, or 20,000 won, but 2,000 won per month. . He made a public apology for the slush fund incident and explained, "I used my assets to help the less fortunate and dedicate myself to the country," but in reality, the amount of donations revealed was only 2,000 won per month. This is a hypocritical situation that contrasts sharply with hundreds of billions of won worth of slush funds, so the media pointed out that it is "big hands when collecting, small hands when spending." #

• When Roh Tae-woo was an officer , former President Park Chung- hee invited Roh Tae-woo and Cha Ji-cheol to take a vacation together, and Cha Ji-cheol and Roh Tae-woo went on vacation together . When asked, Cha Ji-cheol recalled that he did not go into the water, saying, 'My mother told me not to go into the water'. (Source: Roh Tae-woo's memoir)

• Although he was a key figure in the military regime and a president from a conservative party, he is being criticized by the current far-right forces who are calling for “Youn Again ” on the grounds that he was the culprit in the increase of the Chinese population by leading the establishment of diplomatic relations with China . Moreover, the People Power Party, the successor to the Democratic Liberal Party that he created , does not honor him, and as always, he is criticized by the democratic-progressive camp as the leader of the coup and the culprit of the massacre, so even though there is some reassessment after his death, the political forces that commemorate him are insignificant. However, as some in the Democratic Party and progressive circles re-evaluate his achievements while in office, positive evaluations are once again increasing. The appointment of his son Noh Jae-heon as ambassador to China under the Lee Jae-myung administration can be seen as an extension of that.

• It is known that he enjoyed bean sprout soup , mallow soup , tteokgalbi , gaengsigi , boiled chicken , sundae soup , jangtteok , and bindaetteok . In particular, it is said that kimchi and white rice cake were added to bean sprout soup, and people frequently visited mallow soup because it was easy to digest and comforting the stomach.

• Although he is not as well known as Park Chung-hee, Chun Doo-hwan, and Roh Moo-hyun, he was a smoker.

• He was the first president to hold a meeting with the only president of the Soviet Union.[59]

Ordinary person Noh Tae-woo

“ I am a normal person. Trust me. ”

---

Remarks at a campaign rally during the 13th presidential election

The president of the new country is an ordinary person / a country without boastful people.[69] korea normal country

• In the drama The Fourth Republic, which aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Kim Ki-seop played the role of Roh Tae-woo. The casting became a hot topic along with co-star Park Yong- sik's role as Chun Doo-hwan because he resembled a real person so much .
  
• In the radio drama Turbulent 50 Years of Munhwa Broadcasting, Kwak Dae-hong took on the role.

• In Koreagate, a drama aired on SBS , Kim Seong-won played the role of Roh Tae-woo, who looked a little older .

• Lim Chae-moo , who played Lee Hu-rak in the 4th Republic, took on the role in the SBS drama Samgim Era . Completely Chun Doo-hwan's Kkobung-like style.

• In the drama The Fifth Republic, which aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Seo In-seok played the role of Roh Tae-woo. Although they don't look very similar[73] He did a great job of expressing his cunning that surpassed that of Chun Doo-hwan, and in particular, the unique way of speaking and voice represented by ‘General Zun’ was at the level of a doppelganger . Actor Seo In-seok is famous for his bold and rough military roles such as Gyeon Hwon in Taejo Wang Geon , Yi Uibang in The Age of the Unmanned , and Choi Young in Jeong Do-jeon, but Roh Tae-woo in The 5th Republic was a role that showed that Seo In-seok was also good at playing the opposite, clunky roles. The most famous line is “That’s it.”
  

• In the movie War on Crime: The Golden Age of Bad Guys, which deals with his tenure , he appears as announcing the 10.13 Special Declaration . Data screen, of course.

• In the opening video of Reply 1988 , there is about a second of people waving during the inauguration ceremony.

• Kim Deok-hyeon took on the role in the drama The Political Secret History of Korea, which aired on MBN .

• In the 2023 movie Seoul Spring , he appears under the name Noh Tae-geon . Actor Park Hae-joon .[74]
  

• Mentioned in The youngest son of a chaebol family . When everyone is discussing the unification of the three Kims , Jin Do-jun, who knows the future, assures that the next president will be Roh Tae-woo.

• In the black -headed US military , the alternative history, he appears as a naval captain.[75] While monitoring Chinese smugglers as a coastal captain, I am frightened to know that the Chinese who asked him to be asylum were the wife of the Chinese Communist Party, Lin Xiao and Mao Zedong .

• At the beginning of Naver's webtoon, The Noble Man , it is mentioned that the president who declared war on crime with the October 13 Special Declaration in 1990 was assassinated. It does not mention that the president at the time, who declared war on crime, died in 1990, but it seems to refer to President Roh Tae-woo. This has become a tremendous butterfly effect, and the Republic of Korea after Roh Tae-woo's assassination has become a quasi-state at the level of an extremely bad state, with a huge collapse in security, the transformation of organized crime into a mafia, and the collusion between organized crime, conglomerates, and pseudo-religions, with gunfights breaking out in fights with gangsters in the middle of downtown Seoul and chaebols operating private armies .

• He often appears in return-to-conglomerate works or alternative history novels, but he is treated much better than Chun Doo-hwan. Even when you pay for your sins, you reflect on yourself[76] The ending is much better than Chun Doo-hwan, which ends with the death penalty or a terrible ending, as the protagonist avoids the worst outcome and receives a buff that improves the rest of his life in return for helping him when he was attacked by Chun Doo-hwan. This seems to reflect the image that he could not be seen as a hated person because he was a president elected through direct election and had a somewhat conciliatory side.

"There are people who have sentimental thoughts that they wish only to achieve national reunification even if it becomes communist. However, looking back on our modern history, we will never be able to turn a blind eye to the hopes and cries of hundreds of thousands of brothers who have protected us from communist aggression."

---

A conversation with a college student on August 18, 1987

“We had three grievances. The first was poverty, the second was ignorance, and the third was persecution due to shouting. Right now, conflicts are arising due to a sense of relative poverty resulting from an imbalance in income distribution, but the resentment due to poverty, ignorance, and shouting is to some extent. It is true that the development of democracy has fallen behind in the rush to resolve this resentment. Now, what is urgent is to establish democracy. Democracy begins with everyone sharing rights and freedoms equally."

---

A conversation with a college student on August 18, 1987

"In Korea, the capacity of democracy means the ability to contain extremism . Extremism, whether from the extreme right or the extreme left, is the greatest enemy to the process of democratic politics."

---

Speech at the National Press Club, September 16, 1987

“The principles of inter-Korean issues are ① tension relief ② peaceful coexistence ③ peaceful unification . We will actively promote dialogue.”

---

September 19, 1987 Japan Press Club Conference

"I think the era of running the economy centered on large corporations is over. A change of direction is needed. In fact, large corporations have received a lot of government support. Now, we need to emphasize corporate morality. Since we have received a lot of government support, isn't it time to return it to society? I think."[82]

---

Interview with Maeil Business Newspaper reporter on October 29, 1987

"In order to usher in the era of the common people, economic justice must be firmly realized, and high-level measures to alleviate the gap between classes and regions must be refined from now on."

---

Press conference on November 10, 1987

" I do not deny the point that I did not surrender to the people's demand for the June 29 Declaration. I surrendered to the people. I surrendered. If the people want to, I have to surrender hundreds of times. "

---

November 12, 1987 Kwanhun Debate

“If I take power, I want to make it the number one indicator of internal affairs that I will eradicate absurdity.”[83]

---

November 12, 1987 Kwanhun Debate

"I think a 'normal person' is someone who has nothing to be proud of but has nothing to be ashamed of, who has nothing to brag about but has nothing to be proud of. What I don't like are people who boast, people who go wild because they have money, and people who are single because they have learned too much."

---

November 12, 1987 Kwanhun Debate

“I am a normal person. Trust me.”

---

Remarks at a campaign rally during the 13th presidential election[84]

"Democratic Gwangju citizens, let's calm down!
Roh Tae-woo is a man who has already made up his mind to surrender according to the will of the people in the June 29 Declaration . To the will of the people, this man complied and surrendered.
But citizens! We will never give in to the violence of firebombs and stones.
The Molotov cocktails and stones you are throwing are the Molotov cocktails that set back democracy and the stones that divide nations.
If our democratization and our harmony can be achieved through the sacrifice of one person, Roh Tae-woo, this one person will always be the sacrifice.
I appeal to you once again to restrain yourself. Let's put down all conflicting feelings and let us all unite. No one can block the path of harmony and democratic development that we are advancing.
Everyone, let's all sing the national anthem together.
May God bless the East Sea and Mt. Baekdu until they dry up and wear away, long live our country..."

---

November 29, 1987 Let's encounter violent protesters during a campaign in Gwangju

"It's sad that this small piece of land is split between North and South Korea, but it's split according to region, split according to religion, and both men and women are discriminated against. It's really not an ordinary thing.
If you split like this, you can't do anything.
First of all, when we use people, we will only appoint them based on their abilities, regardless of whether they are from the region.
Based on the spirit of the 6.29 Movement , Roh Tae-woo will put his heart and soul into resolving the Gwangju issue as his top priority after coming to power.
Now, let us open up an era of dialogue and agreement where we forgive each other, love each other, and help each other."

---

November 29, 1987 Gwangju Metropolitan City Campaign

“In the meantime, things that suddenly happen one day in our society have been so frequent that it has offended ordinary people who live diligently. We will also create a 'belief society' that will come true as designed."

---

December 12, 1987 Yeouido campaign in Seoul

"I don't think the new government of the new republic is a single government of the Democratic Party . I believe it is a government of harmony for the entire people that resolves national conflicts and confrontations."

---

December 17, 1987 President-elect

"Now the way forward is clear. We must first take the lead in completely breaking down the shell of the authoritarian system. Old-fashioned authoritarianism will not allow our 40 million people to display their excellent creativity and outstanding diligence. The people's voluntary participation and There is no expectation of dedicated service."

---

Founding Ceremony on January 15, 1988

"Our government will collect the opinions of the people as much as possible and expand the scope of people's participation in state affairs in terms of diplomacy as well."

---

February 4, 1988 Diplomatic Delegation Invitation

“Keep in mind that sustained price stability is a prerequisite for achieving all economic policy goals, I urge you to devote all your energy to maintaining price stability no matter what. I believe that such achievements cannot be achieved without stabilizing prices."

---

Directive to the Minister for the Economy of February 4, 1988 Source

“A society where the unfair accumulation or ubiquity of wealth disappears and anyone can design the future with hope while reaping fruits and rewards to the extent of their diligent work is the 'great age of ordinary people'.
It is not an era that only one person can do if it is something to contribute to this country, but an era of 'ordinary people' that anyone can do."

---

In his inauguration speech on February 25, 1988

'As I celebrate the 24th Modern Olympic Games, I declare that the Seoul Olympic Games will be held. '

---

1988 Seoul Olympic Opening Declaration

"We who suffered the ravages of war and division have now lit the torch of reconciliation and peace in the hearts of all mankind."

---

In the 1988 'Speech of Thanks to the People at the Closing of the Seoul Olympics'

"Water goes in when you drink it and falls out when you spill it. But when you look at the process where each drop of water gathers to form a big ocean , the power of water is really great. I think the nickname 'President of Water' was given very well."

---

In 1989, during a reception for Korean residents in France , he had the nickname "Mul Tae-woo".

“ Reforms based on President Gorbachev ’s New Thinking are changing the world, but perhaps because the Himalayan Mountains are high, they have not yet reached the Korean Peninsula . Shouldn’t we allow a wave of openness and reform to come not only to Europe but also to this region?”

---

Dialogue between the leaders of Korea and the Soviet Union in 1990

" The northern policy is to take a detour if you can't go there because the nearby road is blocked. Even if it's a longer road, even if there are thorns on the way and your legs bleed, if it leads to reunification, we should go without hesitation. That's it." It is the basic idea and philosophy of my Northern Policy .”

---

At a special conference commemorating the founding of MBC in 1990

“Any act of causing an uproar in a stadium that is supposed to be fair play is unacceptable for any reason, and it is especially unacceptable in a country that has even hosted the Olympics. Democracy should be based on law and order, but violence is used and violence is used.” "The tendency to achieve one's own goals must be eradicated. Those involved must be identified and dealt with strictly according to the law."

---

In 1990, after receiving a report on the Jamsil Baseball Stadium gang fight incident

“First, I will declare war on crime and violence that destroys our community, and will mobilize all the powers of the President vested in the Constitution to eradicate it. Second, I will banish the lawlessness and disorder that threaten the foundations of a democratic society. Third, we will create a working society and a healthy society by correcting overconsumption, speculation, decadence, and pleasure.”

---

On October 13, 1990, declaring a war against crime in " Dialogue with the People "

"42 years and 8 months after we applied for membership in the United Nations, we will become a member after a long wait. Now, the dark history of other people deciding our fate has come to an end. "

---

In a speech at a luncheon for Korean residents in Seattle in 1991

"The National Assembly should be a ' Yeouido ' led by the ruling party, and not a 'Yeouido' dragged by the opposition party, is a lesson taught by the National Assembly of the ruling and opposition parties in the past ."

---

At the ceremony for awarding nomination papers to Democratic Liberal Party candidates for the 14th National Assembly election in 1992, after the merger of the three parties .

“ If we talk about tens of millions of people being sacrificed during the Cultural Revolution, our Gwangju incident is nothing...” ( MBC , KBS )

---

On October 5, 1995, during the Gyeongbuk High School alumni meeting held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul (...)

"I don't give."

---

This is what Chun Doo-hwan said when asked if he was given fried eggs in his detention center during his trial on charges of insurrection in 1996.[85]

“People might have thrown it in the trash now, but 10 years ago today, June 29, was a treasure that I would pass on to me, more precious than my life.”

---

On June 29, 1997, in a diary written during imprisonment

“ The former president ’s personality is to run ahead of anyone else when something happens . But if you run hard, there are many opportunities, but you could collide with others, be isolated, or fall down . I think that was my role."

---

In the relationship with Chun Doo-hwan in Roh Tae-woo's memoirs published in Monthly Chosun in September 1999

"We commemorate the 13th President Roh Tae-woo, the spirit of the 5.18 Democratic Uprising."

---

2020 Son Noh Jae-heon Harmonious ribbon phrase presented by a lawyer

“I was truly grateful and honored to be able to humbly accept the fate given to me and serve the great Republic of Korea and its people.
I did my best in my own way, but I hope for your deep forgiveness for my shortcomings and my mistakes.
I hope that the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea, which he failed to achieve in his lifetime, will be achieved by the next generation."

---

testament

Dear 60 million Korean and foreign compatriots,

Former Presidents Yun Bo-seon and Choi Kyu-ha, who supported the development of our constitutional system ; former President Chun Doo -hwan, who set a historical precedent for the peaceful transfer of government ; and congratulatory envoys and distinguished guests from around the world who graced this occasion.

Today we gathered in front of this sacred hall of public justice to declare the beginning of a new era.

A hopeful new era has opened in which the country will leap from a peripheral country in East Asia to a central country in the world.

40 years after the establishment of a democratic government in this country, as I took office as the 13th president amidst the trend of history calling for a new country and a new era, I deeply bow my head to all the ancestors who built the foundation of the nation in this land a long time ago. .

First of all, I engrave in my heart the indomitable spirit of democracy and independence, which has continuously maintained the nation's self-respect by overcoming countless foreign aggression and trials for 5,000 years and creating a brilliant cultural tradition.

Up close, I pay my respects once again to my brothers and sisters, whose hardships are clearly visible on every hand.

Our hands were bare, suffering from poverty and war.

However, through the bare hands of those of us who worked hard with a fervent desire to live a better life, this country has grown into a newly industrialized nation highly regarded by the world.

And now it has grown into a democratic country with a tradition of peaceful transfer of government. Truly our people were great. This amazing national strength provides infinite encouragement to all of us who want to leap forward to become an advanced country before the end of the 20th century .

Standing at the starting point of a new national history, I am deeply grateful for the hard work of everyone who has worked hard to make this day possible.

Dear citizens,

History has tested our nation many times over the years. New tasks are being imposed on us, who have overcome all tests with patience, wisdom and the united strength of the people.

That is the order for the entire nation to leap to a higher level. It means to blossom [a new era of national self-respect]. I solemnly declare before the people that the [new era of national self-respect] has begun.

Folks.

We can do it. we have to

We must successfully respond to new challenges through active self-reform.

A bird can fly into the sky only when it hatches from its egg.

It is time for us, too, to break the old framework with the creative passion of pioneers who made something out of nothing, and to enable all our people to enjoy democracy and prosperity, so that we can leap forward into a unified great nation of freedom and self-respect .

The new era is clearly an era of change, development, renewal, and leap, full of vitality and progress.

Therefore, it is time to put an end to our excessive strife. The past is clearly an asset and a mirror for reflection for all of us, but it cannot be an endless shackle on our steps toward a brighter future. Moreover, with the democratic choice of the great people last year, all the remnants of conflict accumulated through the 40-year constitutional history were washed away.

Now, let's bury all regional feelings, partisan selfishness, and personal resentment in this plaza of new departure. Under the spirit of forgiving each other and stepping back one step at a time, the sediment of hatred we bury today will become a valuable foundation for producing rich fruits of democracy and welfare that we and our descendants will reap.

Folks.

From this moment on, let us bravely navigate the wide sea, looking at the ´land of hope´, where freedom and happiness are all over the world.

We have a new map and compass.

This is the map of democracy and the compass of national harmony that we all confirmed and agreed upon together when the people directly elected me as president .

Now, with the loud beating sound announcing the launch of a new republican government , we will surely move forward on the path of democracy.

Not because democracy is the buzzword of the day. This is because democracy is a legitimate value that makes humans human. Because only democracy will lead us to a society where everyone lives freely and participates freely, and where people live like human beings.

The era of neglecting autonomy and human rights with the growth and security of the volume is over . The era of oppression or torture of a secret room is over . Similarly, there must be an era where autonomy and participation can be confused under irresponsibility.

When human rights that are not violated and autonomy with responsibility are secured, an era of mature democracy will begin where economic development and security are strengthened.

We will create a society in which people who live diligently live proudly and vigorously anywhere without any fear, and a democratic country in which each citizen becomes the true master of the country and creatively participates in national development.

With the coming into effect of the new Constitution, which contains the will of the people, I declare that the new government that is being born at this very moment is a government of the people, with the people as the masters. The government I lead will open the era of democracy and allow the potential of all citizens to flourish.

The new government will help all parts of our pluralistic society to do their best with vibrant freedom.

The people long for an honest government.

I must achieve the people's longing and create a government of high morality and trust because of that morality.

Shadows of upright objects cannot bend on bright ground.

I will make sure that the leadership, including myself, set an example of honesty and truth.

We will definitely keep our promises to the people.

The cheers that supported me in the last election became strength and criticism became medicine. I will deeply consider the feelings of the people who did not vote for me and reflect them in state affairs. I will never ignore their criticism. In this sense, I earnestly appeal to the opposition parties and opposing forces.

Let's talk and cooperate while struggling together for each other's country. Let us work as partners of cooperation for the enlightenment of democracy and the prosperity of the Korean people.

Citizens.

We will also sail through that blue sea toward the destination of national unity. The history of development since the 1970s has taught us a harsh lesson that no matter how high and sustained economic growth is, it alone cannot achieve the harmonious, balanced, and happy society we seek as an ideal. Of course, rapid growth has made our material lives more abundant and has also transformed our society, centered on the primary industry, into a pluralistic industrial society.

But it is also true that we have made reefs everywhere on our way out. Gap between classes and regions causes conflict and division, posing a major problem to national integration.

Without addressing these problems, our voyage toward a democratic welfare state may be thwarted. Therefore, the people are desperately demanding a warm harmony that will dissolve conflict and division.

That's right.

Now is the time for the Government and the people of all walks of life to come together to realize an honest and just distribution of the fruits of the rapid growth achieved so far. We must never be disadvantaged or enjoy unfair preferential treatment because of our place of origin, gender or political stance.

In the process of emphasizing the development of the nation as a whole, we must ensure that the individual's share, which has been withheld, is no longer unfairly sacrificed.

We must make it so that the sick can receive treatment and the needy and powerless receive support.

While further encouraging the creativity and freedom of entrepreneurs, I will promote the rights and interests of workers, farmers and fishermen, and small and medium-sized business owners to the utmost.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that our future generations, who will be responsible for the future of the country, receive a high-quality education.

We will do our best to create a progressive society that is always reformed and renewed by accepting the ideals and dreams of young people.

The era we are creating must be handed over to today's younger generation in the not-too-distant future, and they must lead it.

Therefore, their dreams and passions will be accepted as valuable nutrients for progress. We will do our best to create an era of brilliant literary revival for our people who achieved economic miracles through the promotion of academic and cultural arts. In this way, we will strive to ensure that all citizens can enjoy a high-quality cultural life and to pursue beauty and a generous heart that understands our neighbors.

In addition, we will resolutely reject any form of privilege or corruption that hinders the realization of social justice and intensifies conflict. We must prevent violence, speculation, and rising prices. A society where unjust accumulation or omnipresence of wealth disappears and where anyone can plan their future with hope while reaping the rewards and fruits of their sincere work is the ‘ Great Age of Ordinary People ’. With democratic reform and national harmony, we must now open the ‘era of great ordinary people.’ However, national harmony is not only achieved through government policies; it is also a flower that blooms in the hearts of each and every citizen.

Therefore, let's not put off the reconciliation of the people only as a government-level solution. Let's think back to the problem that we all have to solve generously from our own hearts.

In this sense, the person in front should go along with the person behind, pulling them along. Those who have should show restraint and generosity to those who have less.

Folks.

The Seoul Olympics, a major event for the Korean people, are approaching before our eyes. The Great Peace Festival for 5 billion people will be held right here on this earth. In the place of national rebirth that newly reveals Korea in the world, you and I are not revealed separately. Let's all work together to make it the most successful event that will be remembered by all people around the world. We all need to face up to the fact that the Seoul Olympics has a greater meaning in that we enter the course of national unification through this event in the sense of national history.

Riding the stream of easing tensions and peaceful coexistence, this huge chorus of harmony, in which all countries of the world, East and West, South and North, participate for the first time in 12 years, is informing the world that the era of unification is finally opening on the Korean Peninsula. It will.

In response to this resounding chorus, the Republic of Korea seeks to further its diplomatic efforts for international peace and cooperation with all countries around the world. We will further strengthen our ties with the West, including the United States and Japan , while further solidifying our friendship with the third world. We will actively promote northern diplomacy by broadening the channels of international cooperation even in countries on the continent with which we have had no exchanges . Improving relations with these countries with different ideologies and systems will contribute to stability, peace, and common prosperity in East Asia. This diplomatic channel to the North will also pave the way to unification. Here I appeal to our compatriots who are eager for a speedy resolution of division.

The road to national reunification, which we will never forget, is neither optimistic nor pessimistic. It's just a way to go out with your best effort.

Coincidentally, the atmosphere to enhance the self-esteem of the nation has grown greatly within us as well. This energy is a powerful driving force that will encourage the reunification of our nation and global advancement. Therefore, on the basis of national self-respect, we must pave the way for unification while strengthening our democratic capabilities and strengthening our security posture.

Let us always remember the lesson that opportunities come first to those who prepare diligently rather than to those who simply wait.

As for me, if I can see a way for peace on the Korean Peninsula and reunion of the people, I would like to express my willingness to visit anywhere in the world and have a sincere conversation with anyone.

I would like to talk about the North Korean authorities. We must give up the illusion that the free citizens of this land with democratic consciousness will accept the doctrinal ideology that even communist countries reject. We must accept that dialogue, not violence, is an honest shortcut to resolving division and reuniting our people. We make sure that the door to dialogue is always and everywhere open. In response to the new era of national self-respect, let us bring the spring of understanding to the ceasefire line by dialogue, coexistence, and cooperation . So, let us reap the fruits of unification together in the not-too-distant future.

I would like to speak to the countries involved. Basically, the Korean Peninsula issue will be resolved peacefully by the parties of North and South Korea through democratic means. However, if a messenger of peace and unification were to visit Seoul from anywhere, we would gladly accept it. We will give no one special treatment and we will not be afraid of anyone.

Folks.

The 20th century, which started by bringing us pain and frustration, is coming to an end, having laid the foundation for overcoming it. Beyond the horizon of the 20th century, the future vision of a unified country is beckoning us.

When our people's potential and national self-esteem, which are already soaring, are blazed toward the great goal of national leap forward, our country will undoubtedly leap forward as a young global giant leading the Asia-Pacific era.

How many patriots and people have sacrificed and sweated in order to obtain this golden opportunity.

It is not an era in which only one person can do anything that contributes to this country, but an era of “ordinary people” in which anyone can do anything. It is the 'age of common sense' that requires the cooperation of many people with ordinary common sense rather than one person's outstanding talent. It is also the 'era of welfare' in which national development leads to individual freedom, abundance and happiness.

Folks.

Today, on this holy podium, I stand with the people of Korea. This seat was created by the people.

And I am standing here at the behest of the people. Therefore, this seat and I standing here cannot be separated from the people. Keeping these points deeply in my heart, I promise to become a president who breathes only with the people and thinks with them.

I do not want to become a president who unilaterally leads the people. That doesn't mean he won't be a president who is being led. A companion of the people standing shoulder to shoulder with the people and sharing their dreams and pains, this is the kind of president I truly seek.

Now, we are all standing at the starting line of 'Democracy walking together'.

As the owners of this glorious podium today, let us all step forward vigorously and harmoniously with confidence and courage for the future.

Thus, let's move together towards the ´land full of freedom, equality, peace and happiness' that the national song we always enjoy singing, ´To the Land of Hope...´ envisions.

Folks.

Let's move forward with me.

thank you

---

1988 February 25 Roh Tae-woo, President of the Republic of Korea

His Holiness Pope John Paul II,

Distinguished guests,

Together with all the people, I welcome the second visit of the Holy Father, the Pope, the Apostle of Peace, to the Republic of Korea, the supreme leader of the Catholic Church worldwide.

It is very significant that the 44th World Eucharist Conference, which wishes for world peace and human harmony that the Pope Himself collects, was held in Seoul on the Korean Peninsula, which is suffering from conflicts between national division and their own people.

The Catholic Church in Korea was founded by a pioneer who learned the teachings of Christ on his own 200 years ago, and has always shared pain and joy with the people in the modern history of the country's ordeal.

Catholics in Korea were so religious that they voluntarily founded a church to convey the faith they had realized themselves from the beginning. We are very proud of this unprecedented event in Catholic history.

The Catholic Church in Korea risked its life to defend its faith while suffering the persecution of the despotic monarchy and Japanese colonial rule , and the ruthless oppression of North Korean communists nearby, and produced many holy martyrs.

In difficult times, our Catholic Church was not only a church that gave rest to the wandering soul, but also a school that enlightened ignorance, a hospital that warmly treated the sick, and a home for those who were abandoned and had no place to go.

All Koreans are very happy that the Catholic Church in Korea has grown into a large church with 2.5 million believers today and is now able to serve 1 billion Catholics around the world through the World Eucharistic Congress.

His Holiness the Pope.

The people of the Republic of Korea vividly remember the Pope's first visit five years ago.

Our people watched with deep emotion the canonization ceremony in which the 103rd martyr, who defended the word of God with his life, was honored as a saint, and we do not forget that His Holiness met Koreans from all walks of life and blessed them with love .

Since then, Korea has changed a lot.

We are advancing together to heal the conflicts and divisions that once divided the Korean people through reconciliation and forgiveness, to create a free society where everyone is free from oppression, and a society where justice is realized by uncovering and filling the shadows and gaps.

A new constitution and a new republic were born, blessed by the people, and all political oppression was lifted.

A year ago, the Seoul Olympics, a grand celebration of human harmony, was held right here in Seoul, where the divided East-West and North-South worlds, which are at odds with each other, come together beyond the walls of ideology, system, race and religion .

All of our people do not forget that the Pope congratulated the Seoul Olympics through a special message.

Our people are very proud of having taken the lead in realizing a new international order of reconciliation by opening a festival of peace and friendship with the world in a land dominated by colonial rule, war, poverty and oppression in the past .

We aspire to an era in which the new international order for the peace and progress of mankind spreads widely and deeply, and the barriers to mankind's progress are broken down, and we will do our best to achieve this.

This is our aspiration, so we all have deep respect and sympathy for the Pope's devoted efforts for freedom, peace, love and justice.

Fortunately, like His Holiness' organization, today's international order is moving from the conflicts of the Cold War and ideological confrontation to a new order of reconciliation and cooperation.

Conflicts and disagreements must be resolved through dialogue and understanding, not through violence. A consensus is forming among all mankind.

However, in some parts of the world, the temptation to violence and the yoke of ideology that violates freedom and peace still persists.

I thank His Holiness the Pope for the special affection and interest he has shown to our country, and I hope that he prays for an era where love and reconciliation overflow like a river will come as soon as possible between the two Koreas in confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

Together with all the people of Korea, I am delighted to welcome His Holiness, who has come a long way, as a guest.

thank you

October 7, 1989

South Korean President Roh Tae-woo

• <The Age of the Great Ordinary People>, Eulyu Munhwasa, November 1, 1987 #
• <Roh Tae-woo Memoir Award: My Destiny for National Democratization>, Chosun News Press, August 8, 2011 #
• <Memoirs of Roh Tae-woo Part 2: Grand Strategy in Transition>, Chosun News Press, August 8, 2011 #