By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
Seo Seok-jae, a former five-term lawmaker, died Dec. 26 of an undisclosed illness he had long suffered from, his family said Monday. He was 74.
Seo is well-known as a key aide to former President Kim Young-sam.
A former teacher at Donga High School in Busan, Seo entered the world of politics in 1968 when he became a secretary to Kim.
The lawmaker played a key role in helping Kim secure the presidency in 1992.
He served as minister of government administration during the Kim Yong-sam administration.
He is survived by his wife, Jeon Soon-bal; two sons; and three daughters. A memorial altar has been set up at Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul. For additional information, call 02-3410-6915.