"Let's Be Friends Even Longer in the Next Life"... Tearful 49th-Day Memorial Held for the Late Lee Chaewon

49th-Day Memorial for the Late Lee Chaewon
Family Breaks Down in Tears as Friend Reads Farewell Letter

"I thought you'd still be by my side as my closest friend, even after 5 or 10 years..."

According to Yonhap News on the 21st, the 49th-day memorial service for the late Lee Chaewon (17), a victim of the Gwangju high school girl stabbing incident, was held at the Citizens' Cooperative Promotion Center of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, that afternoon. Kim Nahyun (17), Lee's closest friend, took the podium on behalf of her friends to read her final letter, repeatedly breaking down in tears as she shared the words she had never managed to say.

Portrait of the late Chae-won Lee. Screenshot from MBC broadcast.

Letting out a sigh before she managed to speak, Kim said, "It's been 49 days since you left, but I still look at the photos we took together before going to bed," and, fighting back tears, added, "The trip to Yeosu, where we ate hamburgers and rode the cable car laughing together, was the happiest moment of my life."

She continued, "You were always the friend who encouraged me and embraced me with kindness, but I couldn't do the same for you, and I am left only with regret," adding, "When I turn around in the classroom now, all I see is your empty seat. I feel lonely, sorry, and I miss you."

Kim went on to say, "When you asked, 'Will we still keep in touch as adults?' I answered jokingly, but I regret so much not telling you with more sincerity back then. I miss you so much. I wish I could hear your voice and your laughter just one more time. Thank you for brightening my school days, and if we meet again in the next life, let's be even better friends for longer. I miss you, Chaewon."

On the afternoon of the 21st, at the Citizens' Participatory Governance Promotion Center of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education in Sinchang-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, the 49th-day memorial service for the late Lee Chaewon (17) was held. During the memorial speech, Lee's close friend was seen breaking down in tears. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During the letter reading, which lasted about five minutes, Kim was overcome with emotion and unable to continue at times, prompting the bereaved family to comfort her, saying, "It's okay, Nahyun." Upon hearing these words, the mourners also bowed their heads and sobbed quietly.

Mother: "A child like hope"... Homeroom teacher: "A student who wanted to save lives"

Lee's mother remembered her daughter as "a child like hope." She said, "Chaewon's prenatal nickname was 'Hope.' True to her name, she was always bright, warm, and a beacon of hope for our family," and added, "She was a kind child, always caring for those around her with her bright smile and listening to her friends, sharing her warm heart."

She continued, "She worked harder than anyone else to achieve her dream of becoming a paramedic, loved music, loved dogs, and always maintained a positive attitude and smile even in ordinary daily life," and said, "When you think of Chaewon, I hope you remember her warm and bright spirit and her desire to live for others, rather than just the tragedy of what happened to her."

Homeroom teacher Jeong Hoeyoon also recalled Lee, saying, "She was a student who always greeted others brightly and even looked after her teachers. Whenever something happened, she would be the first to step forward without being asked."

Jeong explained that Lee had been diligently preparing for her dream of becoming a paramedic. He said, "Chaewon believed that being a paramedic was not just about technical skills, but also required social awareness, sound judgment, and compassion for people. She studied in advance and sought out university career programs. She truly wanted to become someone who could save lives." He added, "I will long remember Chaewon's name, her bright smile, her dreams, and the future she deserved to have."

Local firefighters present honorary firefighter certificate to bereaved family

That day, the Gwangju Firefighters' Division of the Korean Government Employees' Union presented an honorary firefighter certificate and a paramedic uniform to the bereaved family in honor of Lee's aspiration to become a paramedic.

It was reported that Lee had been preparing for her dream by studying late at night at a study cafe. On the day of the incident, which was Children's Day, she was on her way home after studying late when she was fatally stabbed by Jang Yoonki (23).

The Lee Chaewon Memorial Group, composed of local civic and labor organizations such as the Gwangju-Jeonnam Memorial Solidarity, held the 49th-day memorial service that day to honor her memory. Although the 49th day officially falls on the 22nd, the ceremony was held a day early to account for the trial of Jang Yoonki (23), who has been indicted on murder charges.

The memorial service was organized into four sections under the themes of remembrance, mourning, promises of companionship, and farewell. More than 200 people, including bereaved family members, friends, and labor organization representatives, attended. Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Gwangsan-gu Mayor Park Byungkyu, and National Assembly member Lim Moonyoung also visited the memorial space set up on the first floor of the center to lay flowers and pay their respects.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.