Senior Governing Party Adviser Lee Dies
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Lee Joong-jae, 83, a senior adviser to the ruling Grand National Party, died Monday.
Born in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, Lee began his political career in 1963 and has been elected five times since. He was once close to former President Kim Dae-jung but switched to the GNP right before the 1997 election.
He held important posts throughout his political life, serving as a spokesperson and vice chairman of his party.
As a lawmaker, he devoted his life to economic and financial issues.
His lawmaker son ― Lee Jong-koo ― followed in his footsteps. He is also survived by his sons Jong-wook and Jong-o. The funeral ceremony will be held Monday at the mortuary attached to Korea University in Seoul.