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Staff Reporter
Former Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) President Cho Sang-ho died Saturday six days after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage, an aide said. He had been in intensive care at Asan Medical Center since last Sunday after falling during his morning jog that resulted in the fatal injury.
Cho, who would have turned 81 in November, is remembered for his accomplishments in the sports arena, including his role in engineering Seoul's winning bid for the 1988 Summer Olympics, then as the KOC President. He is survived by his wife, son and four daughters.
Cho first made a name for himself as a public figure in the 1960s during his days as the South Korean ambassador to Italy and then as a ruling party lawmaker.
Cho's experience in international relations and politics proved beneficial as he was named KOC President in 1980, and his role was believed to have been crucial in Seoul winning its Olympic bid the following year.
Cho was named as the country's sports minister in 1987, which was his last prominent public job, and also participated as a member of the organizing committee for the 2002 FIFA World Cup that was hosted in Korea and Japan.
thkim@koreatimes.co.kr
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