Key political leaders gathered in the southeastern part of the country Thursday for a memorial service marking the 15th anniversary of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun.

The ceremony was held in a village in Gimhae, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, with major participants including Roh’s wife, Kwon Yang-sook, former President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

It marked the third consecutive year for Moon to participate in the memorial service. Moon served as a senior secretary to Roh from 2005 to 2006 and chief of staff from 2007 to 2008.

Hwang Woo-yea, the interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, who leads the main opposition Democratic Party, were also among the major guests at the event. Cho Kuk, the leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also attended the service.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, meanwhile, sent a memorial wreath instead of attending in person.

The organizers estimated that some 5,000 supporters from across the country also participated in
the event.

On the sidelines of the event, Moon had a brief conversation with Lee and Cho, during which he asked them to seek cooperation as the two parties share common campaign pledges.

“There were many remarks, which included how our society should move forward, along with concerns and worries over the challenges of the current situation,” Lee said, commenting on his meeting with Moon.

Roh, a liberal politician who ran the country from 2003 to 2008, leaped to his death from a cliff behind his retirement home 15 years ago amid a corruption investigation involving his family and aides.