Son Myung-soon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Son Myung-soon
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손명순
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Son in 1950
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| First Lady of South Korea | |
| In role 25 February 1993 – 24 February 1998 |
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| President | Kim Young-sam |
| Preceded by | Kim Ok-suk |
| Succeeded by | Lee Hee-ho |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 January 1929 Shinryū-yū, Kinkai-gun, Keishōnan-dō, Korea, Empire of Japan (today Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea) |
| Died | 7 March 2024 (aged 95) Seoul, South Korea |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | Ewha Womans University |
| Religion | Presbyterianism (GAPCK) |
| Son Myung-soon | |
| Hangul |
손명순
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| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Son Myeong-sun |
| McCune–Reischauer | Son Myŏngsun |
Son Myung-soon (born January 29, 1929 – died March 7, 2024) was an important figure in South Korea. She was the wife of Kim Young-sam, who served as the President of South Korea. Because of this, she was the First Lady of South Korea from 1993 to 1998.
About Her Life
Son Myung-soon was born on January 29, 1929. Her birthplace was a town called Shinryū-yū in Korea, which was then under Japanese rule. Today, this area is known as Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Her birth mother passed away when Son was very young, in 1935. Her father later remarried.
Her father, Sang-ho, owned a very large rubber factory. He was known as a successful businessman in the Masan area.
Son Myung-soon went to Jin Young Daechang Elementary School. She then attended Masan Girls' High School. Later, she studied at Ewha Womans University, where she learned about Pharmacy. In 1951, she married Kim Young-sam.
While she was still a student at Ewha Womans University, a new rule was made. This rule said that students who were married could not be enrolled. Even after having her first child, she kept her marriage a secret until she finished her studies. This allowed her to graduate from the university.
First Lady Role
On December 18, 1992, her husband, Kim Young-sam, was chosen to be the President of South Korea. When he officially became president on February 24, 1993, Son Myung-soon became the First Lady of South Korea.
As First Lady, she helped make improvements at the Blue House, which is the official home of the president. For example, she helped create a restaurant or lounge there. This space was for the people who worked at the Blue House, like drivers and other staff. Son Myung-soon was often praised for being a quiet and supportive helper. She was also known for valuing the traditional role of women in society.
Family and Passing
Son Myung-soon and Kim Young-sam had five children together. They had three daughters named Kim Hye-young, Kim Hye-jeong, and Kim Hye-suk. They also had two sons, Kim Hyun-cheol and Euncheol Kim. One of their sons, Kim Hyun-cheol, is now an executive director at the Kim Young-sam Democratic Center.
Son Myung-soon passed away on March 7, 2024. She was 95 years old.
Awards and Recognition
South Korea:
She received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa in 1993. This is a very high honor in South Korea.
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