1. Overview
Choi Jae-uk (최재욱Choe JaeukKorean) was a prominent South Korean journalist and politician who served as the 11th Minister of Environment and a two-term member of the National Assembly, representing the Democratic Justice Party and later the Democratic Liberal Party. Born in 1940, Choi began his career as a reporter for the Dong-A Ilbo before transitioning into public service, including a significant role in the Presidential Secretariat during the Chun Doo-hwan administration. He is notably recognized as the last surviving official from the 1983 Aung San Terrorist Attack in Burma, an event orchestrated by North Korea targeting the South Korean presidential delegation, where he sustained severe injuries. His public service spanned critical periods in South Korean history, from the authoritarian era to its democratic transition, culminating in his death in 2024 at the age of 84.
2. Early Life and Background
Choi Jae-uk's formative years and familial background laid the foundation for his later career in journalism and politics.
2.1. Birth, Family, and Early Years
Choi Jae-uk was born on October 1, 1940, in Goryeong County, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. His family belonged to the Gyeongju Choe clan. He was married to a woman from the Miryang Park clan, and together they had one son and one daughter.
2.2. Education
Choi Jae-uk pursued higher education in law, laying an academic groundwork for his public and political roles.
- Kyungpook High School
- Yeungnam University, Bachelor of Law
- Yeungnam University Graduate School, Master of Law
He also completed several non-degree programs to further his administrative and media expertise:
- Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Administration, National Policy Course
- Korea University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Advanced Course
3. Early Career and Public Service
Choi Jae-uk's career began in journalism, where he established a reputation before transitioning into significant roles within the South Korean government.
3.1. Journalistic Activities
Choi Jae-uk started his professional life as a reporter for the Dong-A Ilbo, a major newspaper in South Korea. His work in journalism culminated in his appointment as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Kyunghyang Shinmun from 1986 to 1987, a period during which he gained extensive experience in media management and public communication.
3.2. Work at the Presidential Secretariat
In 1980, with the advent of the Chun Doo-hwan administration, Choi Jae-uk was appointed as Public Affairs Secretary within the Presidential Secretariat. This role placed him in close proximity to the highest levels of government, particularly in managing the public image and communications for the presidency. His tenure in this office continued until February 24, 1988, having also served as Press Secretary and Spokesperson from July 14, 1987.
3.3. Aung San Terrorist Attack
In October 1983, Choi Jae-uk accompanied then-President Chun Doo-hwan on an official overseas tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. During this trip, he was present at the Aung San Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar), when it was targeted by a bomb attack orchestrated by North Korea. He was one of fifteen high-ranking official delegates, holding positions equivalent to or above Class 1, who were awaiting President Chun Doo-hwan on the platform at the site. The bombing resulted in the immediate deaths of 13 officials. Choi Jae-uk sustained severe injuries but miraculously survived the attack, along with then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Ki-baek. Following Lee Ki-baek's death on December 16, 2019, Choi Jae-uk became the last surviving official among those present at the terror site.
4. Political Career
Choi Jae-uk's political career saw him serve multiple terms in the National Assembly and hold ministerial positions, influencing policy and public administration.
4.1. National Assembly Activities
Choi Jae-uk was elected as a member of the National Assembly for two terms. He secured his first term as a 13th National Assembly member in 1988 under the proportional representation system, representing the Democratic Justice Party. He was elected in the 20th position on the party's national list. In 1992, he successfully ran for a second term as a 14th National Assembly member, representing the Dalseo-eul constituency in Daegu. During this period, he was affiliated with the Democratic Liberal Party. His legislative activities during these terms included participating in various committee works and advocating for his constituents' interests in Daegu.
4.2. Ministerial and Other Key Public Offices
Beyond his parliamentary roles, Choi Jae-uk held significant ministerial and administrative positions. He served as the 11th Minister of Environment from March 3, 1998, to May 24, 1999. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing environmental policy, conservation efforts, and addressing pressing ecological issues facing the nation. Subsequently, from January 14 to June 7, 2000, he was appointed as the 2nd Minister for Government Policy Coordination, a key role in harmonizing policies across different government ministries and ensuring effective implementation of national agenda. Prior to his parliamentary tenure, he also served as the 5th Press Secretary to the President and Spokesperson from July 14, 1987, to February 24, 1988.
4.3. Election Results
Choi Jae-uk participated in several parliamentary elections throughout his political career. His election results are detailed as follows:
| Year | Election Type | Term | Office | Constituency | Party | Votes | Percentage | Rank | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | General Election | 13th | National Assembly | National List | Democratic Justice Party | 6,670,494 votes | 34.0% | 20th | Elected |
| 1992 | General Election | 14th | National Assembly | Dalseo-eul (Daegu) | Democratic Liberal Party | 35,616 votes | 50.19% | 1st | Elected |
| 1996 | General Election | 15th | National Assembly | Dalseo-eul (Daegu) | United Liberal Democrats | 37,964 votes | 38.55% | 2nd | Defeated |
5. Awards and Honors
Throughout his life, Choi Jae-uk received several awards and honors recognizing his contributions to journalism and public service. These include:
- 1972: Korea Newspaper Award
- 1982: Green Cross Medal from the Government of Senegal
- 1985: Order of Service Merit, Red Stripes
- 1987: Order of National Merit, Mugunghwa Medal (Moranjang)
6. Death
Choi Jae-uk passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was attributed to a cerebral infarction, a condition he had been battling.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Choi Jae-uk's career spanned significant eras in South Korean history, marked by both authoritarian rule and democratic transition. His early involvement in the Chun Doo-hwan administration as a Public Affairs Secretary places him within a controversial period, which is noted factually. However, his subsequent roles as a two-term National Assembly member and a minister in democratic governments demonstrate a continued engagement with public life beyond the initial authoritarian context. His survival of the Aung San Terrorist Attack cemented his place in the collective memory as a figure who endured a pivotal national tragedy. Choi's legacy is primarily that of a resilient public servant who navigated complex political landscapes, serving in various capacities from journalism to high-level government positions, consistently dedicating himself to public affairs throughout his life.