President’s kin dies at age 61

Kim Jae-jung, a brother-in-law of President Lee Myung-bak, died yesterday after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes. He was 61.

Kim had been receiving treatments at the Seoul National University Hospital since he was admitted in January of last year. First lady Kim Yoon-ok visited the hospital Saturday after the family was informed about the serious condition of her younger brother. Yesterday, President Lee visited the mourning alter of his brother-in-law.

During the 2007 presidential election campaign, Kim was in the media spotlight after being suspected of having managed properties and assets allegedly owned by Lee.

After Lee was elected president, an independent counsel probe was conducted into a series of corruption allegations involving Lee and his aides. In February 2008, the special prosecution in charge of the probe cleared Lee and others. Kim was already in the poor heath condition when he submitted to the probe, appearing for questioning in a wheelchair.

The Blue House said Kim’s family wanted the funeral, scheduled for tomorrow, to be a quiet family event.

By Ser Myo-ja [myoja@joongang.co.kr]