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Chung Won-shik
정원식
21st Prime Minister of South Korea
In office
24 May 1991 – 7 July 1991
Acting
President Roh Tae-woo
Preceded by Ro Jai-bong
Succeeded by Hyun Soong-jong
In office
8 July 1991 – 8 October 1992
Personal details
Born (1928-08-05)5 August 1928
Seoul, Japanese Korea
Died 12 April 2020(2020-04-12) (aged 91)
South Korea
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised Romanization Jeong Wonsik
McCune–Reischauer Chŏng Wontik

Chung Won-shik (born August 5, 1928 – died April 12, 2020) was an important person from South Korea. He was a politician, a teacher, a soldier, and an author. He is best known for serving as the Prime Minister of South Korea from 1991 to 1992.

Who Was Chung Won-shik?

Chung Won-shik was born in Seoul, Korea, in 1928. He lived a long life, passing away in 2020 at the age of 91. Throughout his life, he took on many different roles. He helped his country in several ways, from serving in the military to leading in education and government.

Early Life and Career

Chung Won-shik started his career as a soldier. He served as an officer in the South Korean Army from 1951 to 1955. After his time in the military, he became a professor at Seoul National University. This is one of the most famous universities in South Korea.

Later, he became involved in government. From 1988 to 1990, he was South Korea's Education Minister. This means he was in charge of the country's schools and learning programs.

Leading South Korea

In 1991, President Roh Tae-woo chose Chung Won-shik to be the Acting Prime Minister. This happened on May 24, 1991. An "Acting" Prime Minister fills the role temporarily. Soon after, on July 8, 1991, he was officially appointed as the Prime Minister of South Korea. The Prime Minister is a very important leader who helps run the country's government. He served in this high position until October 1992.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time as Prime Minister, Chung Won-shik continued to be active in public life. In 1995, he ran for mayor of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. However, he did not win that election.

Chung Won-shik passed away on April 12, 2020, in Seoul. He was 91 years old. He died from kidney disease. He is remembered for his many contributions to South Korea as a leader, educator, and public servant.

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