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Veterans minister pays respects to late first ladies, gov't says

Published: 20 Mar. 2026, 16:25

Flowers lie in front of the grave of the former first lady, Francesca Donner-Rhee, the wife of Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, on the anniversary of her death on March 20. [MINISTRY OF PATRIOTS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS]

Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul has paid his respects to late first ladies on their death anniversaries and sent wreaths on behalf of President Lee Jae Myung, officials said Friday.

Kwon has attended all the memorial events for former first ladies since Lee took office in June last year and sent flowers in Lee's name, according to his ministry.

On Thursday, Kwon attended the memorial service of Francesca Donner, the wife of the nation's first president, Rhee Syng-man.

He also paid his respects to the late former first lady Yook Young-su, the wife of former conservative President Park Chung-hee, in August last year, and Son Myung-soon, the wife of former President Kim Young-sam, earlier this month.

A veterans minister had occasionally shown up at commemoration events for former presidents, but it marked the first time the top official in charge of veterans affairs attended commemoration events for former first ladies.

The move comes as Lee has underscored national unity beyond political affiliation or ideologies, expressing his respect for the country's former presidents and their wives.

The government plans to send wreaths in Lee's name on the death anniversaries of other late first ladies, including Lee Hee-ho, the wife of former liberal President Kim Dae-jung.

Yonhap