Presidential Candidate Choi Jae-hyung's Father Passes Away... Korean War Hero Colonel Choi Young-seop Dies

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Jun-yi] Choi Young-seop, a retired naval colonel and father of former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, who announced his intention to participate in politics, passed away early morning on the 8th.

Choi Jae-hyung, the late Colonel Choi's second son, has been contemplating his presidential bid while staying in the provinces after stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 28th of last month. Insiders reported that he returned to Seoul on the 6th upon hearing that his father's condition was critical. The day before, Choi Jae-hyung expressed his intention to participate in politics during a phone interview with some media outlets. However, he said he was still considering his official stance and future path.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following his father's passing, Choi Jae-hyung is expected not to engage in political activities for the time being. However, it is anticipated that he will have face-to-face contact with political figures during the condolence process. Kwon Young-se, the People Power Party's External Cooperation Committee Chairman responsible for contacts with presidential candidates outside the party, visited the funeral hall that morning. After paying respects, Kwon told reporters, "I came today to pray for the deceased and comfort the bereaved family," adding, "(Discussions regarding party membership) will be held later."

The late Colonel Choi participated in major battles of the Korean War and received six medals, including three for military merit. The funeral hall is set up at Seoul Sinchon Severance Hospital, with the funeral service scheduled for 9 a.m. on the 10th, and the burial site is the National Daejeon Cemetery.

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