Ex-Foreign Minister Hong dies

Former Foreign Minister Hong Soon-young

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Former Foreign Minister Hong Soon-young died of natural causes, Wednesday. He was 77.

Hong served as foreign minister from 1998 to 2000 during the Kim Dae-jung administration.

He later served as unification minister and as ambassador to China, Russia, Germany, Pakistan and Malaysia.

He began his career as a diplomat in 1961 when he joined the foreign ministry after passing the state civil service exam.

He leaves behind two sons. A memorial altar was set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul.