Ex-opposition leader dies at 77

Park Sang-cheon

By Kim Hyo-jin

Former opposition leader Park Sang-cheon died of cancer Tuesday. He was 77.

Born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Park began his career as a judge before working as a prosecutor for about 20 years.

He entered politics in 1987 and a year later was elected as a lawmaker in his hometown.

Park earned fame after working as a spokesman for an opposition party led by late former President Kim Dae-jung.

With Kim’s trust, he was tapped as the first justice minister under the Kim administration who took office from 1998 to 2003.

The veteran five-term lawmaker served as head of the Democratic Party in 2003 when the party split from the Uri Party, and secured the post again when they united back in 2008.

In 2012, ahead of the 19th general election, he left politics, saying, “It is time to give a chance to young politicians.”

Park is survived by his wife and three children.