Former S. Korean President Choi dies

Seoul, South Korea

Former South Korean President Choi Kyu-hah, who rose to the country's highest post only to resign less than a year later, died Sunday in a Seoul hospital.

Choi, 88, had been in poor health for several years, the Korea Times reported. After a quarter-century in the public eye, Choi lived as a recluse for the next 26 years.

He entered South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1951, beginning his government career. Posts he held included consul general, counselor and minister at the South Korean Embassy in Japan and acting foreign minister.

He was pointed a diplomatic adviser by the late President Park Chung-hee in 1963, becoming prime minister in 1975, the Times said.

Choi became acting head of state after in 1979 after Park was shot to death, but witnessed a military coup by Army Major Gen. Chun Doo-hwan. In May 1980, Chun declared martial law, becoming the de facto ruler of the country.

Choi stepped down after eight months as president; political scholars said they suspected he was forced out by Chun and his allies, the Times said. Chun took office in 1980.
Source: © UPI News