"Perhaps This Time, Former President Roh Moo-hyun Will Welcome His Brother"... '21-Year Chauffeur and Secretary' Choi Young Passes Away

At the Age of 62

Choi Young, who served as former President Roh Moo-hyun's chauffeur and secretary for 21 years from 1988 to 2009, passed away on the morning of May 10 at the age of 62.

Choi Young, former presidential secretary to President Roh Moo-hyun. Courtesy of the bereaved family

Born in Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province, Choi began driving for former President Roh in 1988 after graduating from Hanyang Technical High School in Seoul and completing his military service, upon the introduction of then-aide Lee Kwang-jae.

According to his older brother, Choi Younggun, "When President Roh was in the car, he always adjusted the rear-view mirror so the President could rest more comfortably, relying only on the side mirrors while driving. He never spoke to his family about President Roh, believing that was his duty." During his time as president-elect, Roh Moo-hyun initially refused to use a specially made bulletproof sedan, insisting he could not replace his driver, but he eventually agreed after Choi received special security driving instruction for a day and began driving the bulletproof car from the following day.

According to his brother, the three most unforgettable moments in Choi's life were: driving the bus when President Roh appeared at the prosecution, driving during the visit to Pyongyang, and driving the hearse after President Roh's passing in 2009.

With the 17th anniversary of President Roh's passing approaching on May 23, the bereaved family said, "Given President Roh's character, perhaps this time, he will personally drive and welcome his brother."

The funeral will be held in Room 305 of the National Medical Center Funeral Hall, with the procession scheduled for 8 a.m. on May 12. He is survived by his wife, Kim Junghwa, his son, Jaesik, and his daughter, Juyeon.

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