Former President Roh Tae-woo dies at 88

Oct 27, 2021, 09:30 am

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Former President Roh Tae-woo, who served as president from 1988-93, died on Oct. 26, 2021, at the age of 88./ Source: Yonhap

AsiaToday reporter Lee Wook-jae

Former President Roh Tae-woo, who served as the 13th president of South Korea from 1988 to 1993, died at the age of 88. Despite making mistakes in the process of taking office, he paved the way to the nation’s democratization by being elected democratically and expanded the nation’s diplomacy by pushing his “Northward Diplomacy.”

The “one-Roh, three-Kims” era symbolizing Korean politics in the 1980s has ended with Roh’s death along with the deaths of Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-pil.

Due to his deteriorated health, he was receiving treatment at Seoul National University Hospital. But he died at the hospital’s emergency room at around 1:40 pm.

He was receiving care at his home in Seoul after he underwent surgery for prostate cancer in 2002. He was also suffering from cerebellar atrophy and asthma. Due to his bad health conditions, he rarely made appearance in public.

The political circle also expressed condolences over Roh’s death. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) said the party prays for Roh’s eternal rest and shares its condolences with his bereaved family. Song Young-gil, chief of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), said he talked to Roh’s daughter Roh So-young on the phone and expressed his condolences. He also said that he encouraged that Roh’s son Roh Jae-heon’s apology was a good thing to do.

Whether a state funeral will take place remains unknown as Roh would not qualify for it as a former president, considering he was put behind bars for taking part in the December 12 military coup and the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. But he was pardoned by his successor, Kim Young-sam.

Presidential Chief of Staff You Young-min said Roh’s court conviction and ensuing consequences are not among those factors that restrict the implementation of a state funeral. Regarding whether Roh will be laid to rest at the national cemetery, You responded this also requires a separate deliberation procedure. “The top office will discuss the matter in accordance with internal guidelines,” You said.

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