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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Driver who served former President Roh Moo-hyun for 21 years passes away

From Hankyoreh · (4m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Choi Young, who served as former President Roh Moo-hyun's driver for 21 years, passed away at the age of 62.
  • Choi was a close aide who accompanied Roh from his time as a lawmaker through his presidency and post-presidency.
  • He drove Roh's hearse and continued to support Roh's wife, Kwon Yang-sook, after Roh's death.

The Hankyoreh mourns the passing of Choi Young, a man who was more than just a driver to former President Roh Moo-hyun; he was a steadfast companion through the highs and lows of a political life.

The passing of Secretary Choi Young, who spent a long time with President Roh Moo-hyun, is deeply mourned.

— Roh Moo-hyun FoundationThe Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's statement mourning Choi Young's death.

For 21 years, Choi was the wheels that carried Roh, from his days as a legislator to his time in the Blue House and his eventual return to Bongha Village. His dedication was so profound that he personally drove Roh's hearse, a testament to a bond that transcended professional duty.

He wanted to be the one to drive the president on his last journey.

— Roh Moo-hyun FoundationDescribing Choi Young's personal drive to be the hearse driver for former President Roh Moo-hyun.

Choi's service extended beyond the presidential term. He managed affairs at Bongha Village and continued to support First Lady Kwon Yang-sook, embodying a loyalty that resonated deeply within the political landscape. The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation rightly stated that Choi was Roh's "feet, and at times, his joy and his comfort."

Choi Young became President Roh Moo-hyun's feet, and at times, his joy and his comfort.

— Roh Moo-hyun FoundationA statement from the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation reflecting on Choi Young's role in Roh's life.

This enduring relationship, marked by unwavering support and shared moments, highlights a unique aspect of Korean political culture where personal loyalty and dedication are often as crucial as policy and public service. Choi Young's legacy is one of quiet, profound service, a reminder of the human connections that underpin even the most public of lives.

We pay tribute to the eternal journey of President Roh Moo-hyun and Choi Young.

— Roh Moo-hyun FoundationThe Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's final tribute to the relationship between Roh and Choi.
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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