Don’t Say Goodbye
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
``Sorry for failing to protect you. I miss you so much,'' says a note posted on the wall surrounding Deoksu Palace.
Thousands of ribbons and notes are hung and pasted on the walls near the altar set up for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. Palpable in the writings are the pangs of guilt, grief and the absence of the one they loved.
Citizens ― from office workers to students and moms with children in their arms ― aren't bothered by having to wait for hours to pay tribute to the man who ended his turbulent life in a tragic way. As dusk sets, they light up candles and hold them as a means to express their condolences. The altar is covered with pale, white chrysanthemums.
More than 3 million people across the nation have paid their respects to the late President. No one could have foreseen such an outpouring.
``Don't be sorry'' were the last words from Roh. But they cannot help feeling sorry and missing the late President. His absence is too much for them.