There have been many figures who have passed through the presidency of South Korea. Among them, in terms of popularity, it is evident that former President Roh Moo-hyun receives the most love. Following him are figures like Kim Dae-jung and Park Chung-hee.
As time passes, figures who once drew a line in history fade into the background of the times. From the first president, Syngman Rhee, to Chun Doo-hwan, who was embroiled in controversy over the Gwangju Uprising, they have all passed away. Former President Roh Moo-hyun is no exception.
“On May 23, 2009, the Death of President Roh Moo-hyun”
Former President Roh Moo-hyun sadly passed away. On May 23, 2009, even if one doesn’t vividly remember that day, there is a vague memory. I heard about the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun at a rest stop on my way back from taking an exam in a region of Gyeongsang Province.
With a simple image of being a high school graduate who passed the bar exam, and as a president from a humble background, Roh Moo-hyun was the first president who, despite holding power, did not exude authority. Combined with his image as a skilled orator who was adept at “words,” many people visited the rural village where Roh Moo-hyun lived after his retirement.
Among the famous quotes he left behind is this:
- “When was there ever a time when you could criticize the president as much as you do these days? I’m not sure about other things, but it seems certain that democracy has developed to the point where such acts are possible.”
Indeed, it was true. Until then, no matter how hard the president tried to position himself at a lower level, the feeling of authority could not be erased. However, President Roh Moo-hyun even as the leader guiding South Korea, made efforts to stand at a lower position.
Even if he received criticism, he said, “It’s okay if people criticize the president to feel relieved.” I remember him just smiling and moving on, even when eggs were thrown at him. It is because of his down-to-earth, straightforward, and considerate nature that I speculate he ranked first as the most popular president in South Korea.
“The 27 Principles of Human Roh Moo-hyun”
The book “The 27 Principles of Human Roh Moo-hyun” is a book written by Jeong Ui-seok about former President Roh Moo-hyun. It delves into why he was able to live such a life that was the opposite of the existing authoritarianism, standing in stark contrast to others, and what made him different from other people.
In the book, the 27 life philosophies of former President Roh Moo-hyun are listed and organized. Whether these were actually established by President Roh Moo-hyun himself or later compiled by the author is unknown.
The 27 principles outlined in the book, while introducing his life philosophy, also include anecdotes about him.
- Studying is about balance.
- Don’t limit the places of learning.
- Do not waste the precious values of the past.
- Judge autonomously.
- Think critically.
- Have different thoughts from others.
- Freedom comes with responsibility.
- Break old customs.
- Admit mistakes cleanly.
- Act with firm beliefs.
- Have your own philosophy.
- Resist what is wrong.
- Hold onto strong beliefs.
- Challenge the prejudices of the world.
- Set the stage for stories.
- Form an empathetic bond with people.
- Do not neglect the people around you.
- Align your understanding with reality.
- The key principle of gaining people’s hearts, reverse perspective.
- Having an attitude that loves mistakes is desirable.
- People come first.
- Knowledge is a weapon.
- Love people.
- Choose the right path over the easy one.
- Greed makes people sick.
- Listen to the voice of conscience.
- A sense of mission changes people.
“A person with a sense of mission, philosophy, and dreams does not waver.”
What one ultimately feels through life experiences is that people who have a sense of mission, their own philosophy, and dreams do not easily waver.
If one has a firm dream or vision, humans naturally pursue it and make efforts to achieve it. When things go in a good direction, they can lead the world to a slightly better direction.
Through the book, one can briefly remember “Fool Roh Moo-hyun,” who tried to lead the world to a slightly better direction.
“The 27 Principles of Human Roh Moo-hyun”
- Author: Jeong Ui-seok
- Publication Date: May 15, 2015
- ISBN13: 9788997827671
- Available at Yes24: http://app.ac/wAC9l6583