SEOUL — President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the grave of former first lady Yook Young-su on Thursday, marking the 50th anniversary of her assassination, an event that deeply impacted South Korean political history.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon, accompanied by First Lady Kim Keon Hee, paid respects at Yook’s resting place at Seoul National Cemetery. The visit follows a phone call Yoon made to former President Park Geun-hye, Yook’s daughter, offering condolences and discussing state affairs. Yook Young-su, the wife of South Korea’s then-President Park Chung-hee, was tragically killed in 1974 during a failed assassination attempt on her husband by a pro-Pyongyang assailant.
During his visit, President Yoon left a heartfelt message in the cemetery’s visitor’s book, referring to Yook as “the benevolent mother of the people.” The visit underscores Yoon’s continued reverence for her legacy and signifies his engagement with historical figures who have shaped South Korea’s trajectory. Additionally, Yoon invited Park to his residence for future discussions, signaling an intent to bridge past and present leadership insights into his administration.