Choi Kyu-hah, 87, former president
Published: 22 Oct. 2006, 22:45
He became acting president in October 1979 after the assassination of Park Chung Hee, moving up from his traditionally weak prime minister’s position after the end of the reign of the redoubtable Mr. Park, who had seized power in a military coup in 1961.
Lacking a political base or public recognition, Mr. Choi promised a new constitution and democratic elections as hope stirred of a new beginning for the nation. But those hopes were first dashed by a coup led by Major General Chun Doo Hwan on Dec. 12, 1979. Nevertheless, Mr. Choi was formally elected president on Dec. 21 by the same indirect method that Park Chung Hee had used to continue in office, a gathering of provincial electors who selected a national leader.
But under increasing pressure from General Chun, who along with other powerful politicians demanded that he be named head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency in April 1980, Mr. Choi tendered his resignation in August. General Chun became President Chun a few days later.
When he resigned, Mr. Choi said he was accepting responsibility for the bloody suppression of a civil revolt in the southwestern city of Gwangju in May. That statement was greeted skeptically by democracy activists here, who blamed the military and to some extent U.S. acquiescence in the suppression.
Those questions have persisted. Mr. Choi had been pressed to testify at a National Assembly hearing on the Gwangju uprising and at the trials of former presidents Chun Doo Hwan and his military successor, Roh Tae-woo. Mr. Choi refused. Choi Heung-sun, Mr. Choi’s secretary, hinted that some of those mysteries may be cleared up. He said, “The former president always had a habit of keeping records. We may find a relevant record later.”
Born in 1919, Mr. Choi graduated from a teacher’s college in Tokyo. After Korea’s liberation in 1945, he joined the faculty of Seoul National University as a professor of education. He joined the Foreign Ministry the following year, and became a favorite of Park Chung Hee, who named him foreign minister and then the Blue House diplomatic adviser before being named prime minister in 1976.
Mr. Choi was found unconscious yesterday morning at his home in Seogyo-dong, central Seoul, after a long period of infirmity that curtailed his activities. He died shortly after being hospitalized.
His wake is being held at Seoul National University Hospital; former presidents Kim Dae-jung and Kim Young-sam paid their respects. President Roh telephoned the family with his condolences and sent Blue House staff members as his representatives, and Chun Doo Hwan said he prayed for the repose of his soul.
Funeral plans are not yet complete, but Lee Yong-sup, the home minister, said it would be a nationally sponsored tribute to the ill-fated leader.
by Chun Su-jin
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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