South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 44th memorial service of former President Park Chung-hee at the National Seoul Cemetery on Thursday. This occasion marked the first time a sitting president has attended the annual event, which has been organized by the National Revival Association since 1980. Park Geun-hye, the eldest daughter of Park Chung-hee and also a former South Korean president, was present as well.

After the official proceedings, Yoon and other attendees paid their respects at Park’s tomb. In his address, Yoon highlighted Park’s role in the “Miracle on the Han River,” a term referencing South Korea’s period of rapid economic growth. He urged the nation to remember and build upon Park’s legacy, especially given current global challenges. Officials from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and over 2,000 citizens joined the memorial service.