News

Former South Korean President Roh Tae Woo Dies

SEOUL, Oct 26  — Former South Korean President Roh Tae Woo, who accepted popular calls for a direct presidential election system at the start of South Korea’s democratisation and sought to broaden diplomatic ties with socialist nations while in office, died Tuesday. He was 88.

Roh, who served as president from 1988-93, was recently admitted to a hospital after his health deteriorated but failed to recover, Yonhap news agency quoted his aides.

Roh, a former general, succeeded former President Chun Doo Hwan after helping the latter seize power through a 1979 military coup in the wake of a power vacuum created by the death of former authoritarian President Park Chung Hee.

As pro-democracy rallies spread massively across the nation in 1987, Roh accepted calls for a direct presidential system in what is known as the “June 29 Declaration,” and he was elected president later that year through a direct vote.

In an apparent bid to shed his military image, Roh began his administration under the slogan of opening “an era of ordinary people.”

Roh has been credited with building ties with socialist states and promoting inter-Korean exchanges during his term.

In 1991, South and North Korea were simultaneously admitted to the United Nations. South Korea also established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1990 and China in 1992.

In 1996, Roh and Chun were convicted of corruption and mutiny for their role in the 1979 military coup and in the brutal crackdown on the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju.

Roh was sentenced to 17 years in prison and faced around 260 billion won (US$223 million) in fines. He was pardoned in 1997 under the government of then-President Kim Young Sam.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

16 hours ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

17 hours ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

17 hours ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

17 hours ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

18 hours ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

18 hours ago

This website uses cookies.