By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter
Chang Seung-woo, who held influential positions in the Korean government and financial services spheres, including minister of maritime affairs and fisheries, died Friday in Seoul. He was 62.
The cause of death was an illness, according to family members, who didn't reveal details of Chang's medical condition.
Chang, a native of Gwangju, who started his public service career at the Korean embassy of Indonesia, gained attention for his role in Yeosu's successful bid for the 2012 World Expo.
He served as chairman of the 2012 World Expo Organizing Committee before retiring in April last year due to health reasons.
Chang, a graduate of Seoul National University, also held several positions at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, which preceded the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.
He was a member of the Bank of Korea's monetary policy committee. He also headed the National Statistical Office (NSO), now Statistics Korea, before taking the helm at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Chang is survived by his wife, Noh In-ja, and sons, Jae-ho, an employee of Fairchild Semiconductor, and Ha-yoon, who works for Dongwon Industries.