State funeral for late floor leader of Justice Party held at Nat'l Assembly on Friday

국회, 오늘 故 노회찬 의원 영결식 거행 A funeral for an iconic progressive politician who took his own life early this week was held today at the National Assembly. Thousands turned up including lawmakers, family members and supporters from different walks of life. Kim Mok-yeon has more from the venue where they bid farewell to one of the most respected figures in the domestic political realm. A state funeral was held Friday morning at the National Assembly for the late lawmaker Roh Hoe-chan, the floor leader for the minor opposition Justice Party who passed away on Monday. It was a parliamentary-level funeral... with the entire legislature designated as members of the funeral party. The ceremony started with a silent tribute, followed by a reading out of Roh's life achievements. Eulogies were delivered by several people including the current speaker, Moon Hee-sang, and two lawmakers with Roh's Justice party, Lee Jeong-mi and Sim Sang-jeong. "You were a trailblazer and a symbol of the progressive politics. You felt the pain of the workers and rejoiced at victories for the socially underprivileged. Your work stops here, but the values and spirit that you embodied will steadfastly endure. We sincerely hope you rest in peace." One of Roh's nephews also spoke to the mourners on behalf of the late lawmaker's family. The funeral ended with the mourners, including justices from the Supreme Court and fellow lawmakers from all sides, lighting incense and laying flowers on the altar. The former floor leader passed away on Monday, in an apparent suicide. Allegations had surfaced that he received illegal political funds from a power blogger nicknamed "Druking" who himself is accused of nefarious online political activity. Roh left behind a note explaining that he did accepted the money, but claiming it was not in exchange for any special favors. The news was a shock in Korea where Roh had a clean image and was regarded as an accomplished reformer. "Thousands of people gathered today to pay tribute and express their grief for the huge loss in Korean politics. After the ceremony, Roh’s ashes were taken to Moran Park in Namyangju city, the resting place of some 160 other martyrs for justice and democracy." Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News. Arirang News Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arirangtvnews ------------------------------------------------------------ [Subscribe Arirang Official YouTube] ARIRANG TV: http://www.youtube.com/arirang ARIRANG RADIO: http://www.youtube.com/Music180Arirang ARIRANG NEWS: http://www.youtube.com/arirangnews ARIRANG K-POP: http://www.youtube.com/arirangworld ARIRANG ISSUE: http://www.youtube.com/arirangtoday ARIRANG CULTURE: http://www.youtube.com/arirangkorean ARIRANG FOOD & TRAVEL : http://www.youtube.com/ArirangFoodTravel ------------------------------------------------------------ [Visit Arirang TV Official Pages] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arirangtv Twitter: http://twitter.com/arirangworld Instagram: http://instagram.com/arirangworld Homepage: http://www.arirang.com ------------------------------------------------------------ [Arirang K-Pop] YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/arirangworld Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arirangkpop Google+: http://plus.google.com/+arirangworld