31 January 2001
On 29 January Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori decided to dispatch a testimonial praising the courageous acts of both men and expressing condolences on the bereaved families of both men. Furthermore, Prime Minister Mori attended the funeral ceremonies of Lee Su Hyon on 29 January.
During the night of 29 January Prime Minister Mori sent the following message to President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea.
Message:
Yesterday upon returning from Davos I learned of the loss of the precious life of a young man from the Republic of Korea who tried to rescue a Japanese person. I share a profound sadness with all of the people of Japan, and indeed with Your Excellency and all of the people of the Republic of Korea. A little while ago I attended the funeral ceremonies of the late Lee Su Hyon, where I spoke directly to his parents to convey my heartfelt condolences and gratitude and to express me sympathy for their loss.
All of the people of Japan were greatly moved by Lee Su Hyon’s heroic and noble deed. I pray that Lee, who will remain in our hearts as a bridge linking Japan and the Republic of Korea, will rest in peace. I honor his great courage and extend my boundless respect for him to his bereaved family and to all of the people of the Republic of Korea.