Overview
Choi Kyu-hah (July 16, 1919 – October 22, 2006) was a South Korean diplomat and politician who served as the 10th President of South Korea from 1979 to 1980. He became president after Park Chung-hees assassination but resigned after just 8 months due to pressure from the military coup led by Chun Doo-hwan. He holds the shortest presidential term in South Korean history.
Basic Information
| Name | Choi Kyu-hah (최규하) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1919 |
| Date of Death | October 22, 2006 (aged 87) |
| Birthplace | Wonju, Gangwon Province |
| Education | Tokyo Higher Normal School |
| Party | Independent |
| Term | December 6, 1979 – August 16, 1980 |
Diplomatic Career
Born in Wonju, Choi studied at Tokyo Higher Normal School. After liberation, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and built a distinguished diplomatic career.
- Director of Trade Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Minister of Foreign Affairs (1967-1971)
- Special Advisor to the President
- Prime Minister (1975-1979)
Presidency
When President Park Chung-hee was assassinated on October 26, 1979, Prime Minister Choi became Acting President. He was elected as the 10th President by the National Conference for Unification on December 6, 1979.
December 12 Coup and Resignation
Just days after his inauguration, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo led the December 12 military mutiny on December 12, 1979, seizing military control. During the subsequent martial law expansion and Gwangju suppression in May 1980, Choi was unable to exercise effective authority. He resigned on August 16, 1980, under pressure from the military.
Legacy
Choi is remembered as a transitional president who could not prevent the military coup. Personally regarded as honest and scholarly, he holds the shortest presidential term of about 8 months. He died on October 22, 2006.