故 이희호 여사, DJ 곁으로...현충원 안장
The former first lady was laid to rest today... as South Koreans said their final goodbyes.
A funeral service was held this morning, and now she's been laid to rest beside her husband, the late former president, Kim Dae-jung.
Kim Min-ji reports.
The funeral for former first lady Lee Hee-ho was held on Friday.
Lee,... the wife of late former President Kim Dae-jung,... died on Monday at the age of 97.
Thousands of people gathered to pay their respects,... including top government officials,... lawmakers... and members of the public.
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered a eulogy.
"We've lost a great person of our times. She was the symbol of the hardships and glory of our modern history. We will not stop our efforts to achieve her dreams of achieving the people's happiness and of peaceful unification."
Lee is not just remembered as the first lady,... but also one of the first generation of female activists in South Korea.
During her life,... Lee fought for women's rights and democracy,... organizing various civic groups.
She also spearheaded efforts to promote the Sunshine Policy of inter-Korean reconciliation... that former president Kim created during his presidency between 1998 and 2003.
Lee was also a supportive companion to her husband through his turbulent and illustrious political life which included receiving a death sentence and winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
"She devoted her life to democracy. She's someone that all South Koreans should emulate."
"I wonder if there will be anybody like her again. It's very hard to let her go. I believe that the privilleges that females enjoy now are a result of the former first lady's efforts. I respect her and truly mourn her death."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also sent flowers and a condolence letter over Lee's passing which was read out during the funeral service.
There had been speculation that Pyeongyang could send a mourning delegation,... as it has done in the past for figures that contributed to inter-Korean relations,... and given that the former first lady attended the funeral of Kim's father, Kim Jong-il.
"The devotion and efforts of first lady Lee Hee-ho and former president Kim Dae-jung toward reconciliation, peace and unification have become the foundation of current inter-Korean ties."
In her will, Lee wrote that she would pray for the Korean people and a peaceful unification of the two Koreas in heaven.
"With her passing,... South Korea bids farewell to one of the figures that helped the country take a step closer to peace and democracy. Lee has now been laid to rest beside her husband at Seoul National Cemetery. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News"
