Goh Kun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Goh Kun
고건
Goh in 2003
Acting President of South Korea
In office 12 March 2004 – 14 May 2004
President	Roh Moo-hyun
Prime Minister	Himself
Prime Minister of South Korea
In office 4 March 1997 – 3 March 1998
President	Kim Young-sam Kim Dae-jung
Preceded by	Lee Soo-sung
Succeeded by	Kim Jong-pil
In office 26 February 2003 – 25 July 2004
President	Roh Moo-hyun
Preceded by	Kim Suk-soo
Succeeded by	Lee Hun Jai (acting) Lee Hae-chan
Mayor of Seoul
In office 5 December 1988 – 27 December 1990
Preceded by	Kim Yong-rae
Succeeded by	Park Seh-jik
In office 1 July 1998 – 30 June 2002
Preceded by	Cho Soon Kang Duk-ki (acting)
Succeeded by	Lee Myung-bak
Personal details
Born	(1938-01-02) 2 January 1938 (age 87) Keijō, Korea, Empire of Japan
Political party	Democratic Justice (1980–1990) Democratic Liberal (1990–1995) Democratic (1998–2007)
Alma mater	Seoul National University (BS, MS)
Signature
Korean name
Hangul	고건
Hanja	高建
RR	Go Geon
MR	Ko Kŏn

Goh Kun (Hangul: 고건, born January 2, 1938) is a well-known South Korean politician. He held important roles like the Prime Minister of South Korea twice. He was also the acting President of South Korea for a short time in 2004. Before that, he served as the Mayor of Seoul for two different periods.

Early Life and Education

Goh Kun was born on January 2, 1938, in what is now Seoul, South Korea. He went to Kyunggi High School from 1953 to 1956. In 1960, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Seoul National University. While there, he was the President of the Student Council. He continued his studies at the university, earning a master's degree in urban planning in 1971.

Political Career Highlights

Goh Kun started his career in public service in the 1960s. He joined the Ministry of Home Affairs as a new officer. He moved up through different jobs, including:

• Governor of South Jeolla from 1975 to 1979.
• Minister of Transportation from 1980 to 1981.
• Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries from 1981 to 1982.

Serving as a National Assembly Member

In 1985, Goh Kun was elected as a member of the National Assembly. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Mayor of Seoul: First Term

He was appointed the Mayor of Seoul in 1988. During this time, he refused to approve a development plan that seemed wrong. Because of this, he was removed from office in 1990.

Mayor of Seoul: Second Term

Goh Kun returned to the role of Mayor of Seoul in 1998. This time, he was elected by the people. He served until 2002. As mayor, he started a "10 million trees of life" program. He also pushed for stricter rules on pollution. These efforts helped make Seoul much greener.

Prime Minister and Acting President

Acting presidency of Goh Kun
March 12, 2004 – May 14, 2004
Premier	Himself
Cabinet	Full list
Party	Millenium Democratic
Seat	Seoul
← Roh Moo-hyun • Roh Moo-hyun →

Goh Kun served as the Prime Minister of South Korea twice. His first term was from 1997 to 1998. His second term was from 2003 to 2004.

Taking on the Role of Acting President

In 2004, President Roh Moo-hyun was temporarily suspended from his duties. Goh Kun then became the acting President of South Korea. He held this important role from March 12, 2004, until May 14, 2004. The South Korean Constitutional Court later decided to restore President Roh's powers.

Resignation as Prime Minister

Goh Kun resigned from his position as Prime Minister on May 24, 2004. He did this after he disagreed with the President's request to change some cabinet members. Lee Hae-chan took over as Prime Minister on June 30.

Life After Political Service

In June 2006, Goh Kun announced that he would try to become president. However, on January 16, 2007, he decided not to run for president. He also announced that he would retire from political life. Even after retiring, he was asked to lead a social unity council in 2009 by President Lee Myung-bak.

See also

In Spanish: Goh Kun para niños

• Impeachment of Roh Moo-hyun