Former South Korean President Roh Tae-Woo Has Passed Away At The Age Of 88

Former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, a distinguished war veteran who played a key but divisive role in the country's transition from authoritarian control to democratic elections, passed away. The 88-year-old died at Seoul National University Hospital, according to a hospital official who did not specify the cause of death. Roh had been in terrible health since 2002 when he underwent prostate cancer surgery, and he had been hospitalized several times in recent years.

Roh moved from military coup conspirator to South Korea's first democratically elected president in the span of a few decades, only to conclude his political career in ignominy with a prison sentence for treason and corruption. Roh was given several government positions as a result of his efforts. However, a popular outcry erupted when Chun designated Roh as his successor before the 1987 presidential elections, with major pro-democracy protests taking place in Seoul and other cities.