Veteran TV host, 3-term lawmaker Byeon Ung-jeon dies at 85
This file photo shows Byeon Ung-jeon, a popular television host and three-term lawmaker, Dec. 15, 2008. Yonhap
Byeon Ung-jeon, a popular television host and three-term lawmaker, has died at the age of 85, his family said Monday.
He passed away the previous night at a hospital in Seoul, according to the family.
Born in 1940 in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, Byeon began his broadcasting career in 1963 as an announcer for KBS. He was later scouted by MBC in 1969, where he became a household name.
Building on his excellent hosting abilities, he reached the height of his fame in the 1970s and 1980s, leading popular programs including MBC's "Cheerful Sports Day."
In 1995, he entered politics by serving as a spokesman for the United Liberal Democrats party. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1996 and went on to serve two more times.
During the 18th National Assembly, he held several key positions, including chairman of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee. His last public role was as the leader of the Liberty Forward Party in 2011.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.