Byun Woongjeon, Former National Assembly Member and Host of "Happy Sports Day," Passes Away

Byungjeon Byun, Former Announcer. Yonhap News Agency

Byun Woongjeon, a popular announcer in the 1970s and 1980s who later served three terms as a National Assembly member and as a party leader, passed away on the night of November 23 at Hyemin Hospital in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. He was 85 years old.

Born in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, Byun graduated from Seosan Agricultural High School and began his broadcasting career in 1963 as an announcer at the Central Broadcasting Station (KBS) while studying psychology at Chung-Ang University.

In 1969, he was recruited by MBC, where he worked with Kim Kyungtae (1935-1995), who was considered the top variety show producer at the time, hosting programs such as "Cheerful Blue and White Match," "Stunt Parade," and "Happy Sports Day."

In 1995, he entered politics as the spokesperson for the preparatory committee for the founding of the United Liberal Democrats. In the 15th general election in 1996, he was elected to represent the Seosan and Taean constituency, and went on to serve three terms in the 16th and 18th National Assemblies. During the 18th National Assembly, he chaired the Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Committee, participating in the review of related legislation and policies. He concluded his official political career in 2011 after serving as the leader of the Liberty Forward Party.

He is survived by his wife, Choi Myungsook, and two sons, Byun Jimyung and Byun Jisuk. The funeral will be held in Room 35 of the Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, with the burial scheduled for 8 a.m. on November 27 at Jahayeon in Pangyo.

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