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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Choi Young, Roh Moo-hyun's loyal driver for 21 years, passes away

From Hankyoreh · (4m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Choi Young, who served as President Roh Moo-hyun's driver for 21 years, passed away at the age of 62.
  • Choi began his service in 1988 and maintained a close relationship with Roh, even refusing a special bulletproof vehicle to continue being driven by Choi.
  • He drove Roh during significant moments, including a trip to Pyongyang and Roh's appearance at the prosecutor's office, and later drove former First Lady Kwon Yang-sook after Roh's passing.

The Hankyoreh reports with deep respect on the passing of Choi Young, the devoted driver and aide who served former President Roh Moo-hyun for an extraordinary 21 years. Choi's passing at 62 marks the end of a unique chapter in the relationship between a leader and his most trusted attendant.

President Roh Moo-hyun's driver for 21 years, Choi Young, passed away at the National Medical Center in Seoul on the morning of the 10th. Mourners paid their respects that day.

— The HankyorehAnnounces the passing of Choi Young and the beginning of his long service.

Their connection began in 1988 when Choi, then a job seeker, was offered the position by an aide to then-Assemblyman Roh Moo-hyun. This marked the start of a long and loyal service that transcended the typical employer-employee dynamic. The article recounts how President-elect Roh's trust in Choi was so profound that he refused to switch drivers, even when offered a specially modified bulletproof vehicle, opting instead for Choi to receive separate training to operate it.

The connection began when he was preparing for his college entrance exams and job search, and Lee Kwang-jae, an aide to then-Assemblyman Roh Moo-hyun, offered him the position of Roh's driver.

— The HankyorehDetails the origin of Choi Young's long association with Roh Moo-hyun.

Choi Young was more than just a driver; he was a constant presence through pivotal moments in Roh's political career and personal life. He was behind the wheel during the historic trip to Pyongyang, and notably, when Roh drove himself to the prosecutor's office. Perhaps most poignantly, Choi drove the hearse carrying Roh's body after his tragic passing in 2009, a somber testament to his enduring loyalty.

Roh, as president-elect, refused to change drivers and rejected the use of a specially made bulletproof vehicle, showing his deep trust.

— The HankyorehIllustrates the strong bond and trust between Roh Moo-hyun and Choi Young.

Following President Roh's death, Choi continued his service, driving former First Lady Kwon Yang-sook until he was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation has expressed its deep condolences, acknowledging Choi's significant role in the former president's life. The Hankyoreh emphasizes that Choi's story is one of unwavering dedication and a deep personal bond, reflecting a level of trust and commitment rarely seen in public service.

He cited memorable moments such as the visit to Pyongyang, being able to drive the bus himself to the prosecutor's office due to his Class 1 large driver's license, and driving the hearse after President Roh's passing in 2009.

— Choi Young's familyRecounts significant events Choi Young was involved in as Roh's driver.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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