[Summary] 'Are You Sleepy Now?' Former Lawmaker Hong Sadeok Passes Away Due to Long-Term Illness

Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hong Sa-deok [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hong Sa-deok passed away on the night of the 17th due to an illness. He was 77 years old.

It was reported that he had recently been hospitalized and treated for pneumonia.

Born in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, he graduated from the Department of Diplomacy at Seoul National University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He worked as a reporter for JoongAng Ilbo and served as vice president of the Korea Journalists Association before entering politics by winning the 11th general election in 1981 as a candidate of the Democratic Korea Party.

He was elected in the 12th general election in 1985 as a member of the New Democratic Party and in 1992, the 14th general election, as an independent. He later served as a six-term lawmaker through the 15th, 16th, and 18th National Assemblies.

In the 1992 presidential election, he served as spokesperson for Kim Dae-jung’s campaign under the Democratic Party, and in 1997, during the Kim Young-sam administration, he served as the first Minister of Political Affairs.

He attracted attention with his book titled "Now, Are You Sleepy?" which compiled his reflections on various political and social issues as well as culture and films.

He wrote the 1,100-page manuscript in just five days, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest-written book in South Korea.

The cover of "Are You Sleepy Now?", published in 1996 and which attracted attention, by the late author

After being elected as a Grand National Party lawmaker in the 16th general election in 2000, he established himself as a leader of the pro-Park (pro-Park Geun-hye) faction.

In 2004, as the floor leader of the Grand National Party, he led the impeachment of then-President Roh Moo-hyun. He faced difficulties after losing in the 17th general election due to the so-called 'impeachment backlash.'

He served as the election campaign committee chairman for the 'Park Geun-hye primary campaign' in both 2007 and 2012.

In the 18th general election, he was elected as a candidate of the Pro-Park Alliance but lost in the 19th general election running in Seoul’s Jongno district to Jeong Se-gyun, then a Democratic Party candidate and Prime Minister.

In September 2012, he abruptly left the Saenuri Party amid allegations of illegal political fund acceptance. He subsequently took steps toward de facto retirement from politics.

He later served as an advisor to KT and as the representative standing chairman of the National Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation.

The funeral is being held at Seoul National University Hospital’s funeral hall. The funeral procession is scheduled for the 20th.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Im Kyung-mi, one son, and two daughters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.