Yi Cheol-seung facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lee Chul-seung
이철승
Member of the National Assembly, South Korea
In office 1954 The 3rd National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, Independent
In office 1958–1961 The 4th and 5th National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, Democratic Party
In office 1971 The 8th National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, New Democratic Party (Hangul: 신민당)
In office 1973 The 9th National Assembly and Vice Speaker of the National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, New DemocraticParty
In office 1978 The 10th National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, Wanju, New DemocraticParty
In office 1985 The 12th National Assembly
Constituency	Jeonju, New DemocraticParty
Personal details
Born	May 15, 1922 Seoul, Korea
Died	February 27, 2016 (age 93)
Resting place	Seoul National Cemetery
Nationality	Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Political party	1954 Independent; 1958 Democratic Party; 1971 New Democratic Party (Hangul: 신민당); 1973 New Democratic Party; 1976 Representative Supreme Member, the New Democratic Party; 1978 New Democratic Party; 1985 New Democratic Party;
Spouse	Kim Chang-hee
Children	Yanghee Lee (daughter)
Awards	Order of Service Merit ("Mugunghwa Medal," Hangul: 국민훈장 무궁화장)

Yi Cheol-seung (Hangul: 이철승; May 15, 1922 – February 27, 2016) was an important South Korean politician. He served in the National Assembly, which is like the country's parliament, for seven terms.

Yi Cheol-seung was a strong supporter of the Korean independence movement. This movement worked to free Korea from Japanese rule. He also believed in democracy, which means people should have a say in their government. He was against communism and military rule. After Korea became free from Japan in 1945, he led a student group. This group was against Korea being controlled by other countries, like the United States and the Soviet Union. He started his political career in 1954 when he won a seat in the National Assembly.

Yi Cheol-seung was known for his political rivalries with two future presidents, Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung. Even with their disagreements, they all played a big part in building democracy in South Korea. He was buried in the Seoul National Cemetery on March 2, 2016. This is a special place where many important South Korean leaders are laid to rest.

Early Life and Learning

Yi Cheol-seung was born in Seoul, Korea, on May 15, 1922. He spent many years studying and learning.

• 1949 – He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Korea University.
• 1962 – He studied International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
• 1995 – He received an honorary doctorate in Literature from Woosuk University.
• 1998 – He received another honorary doctorate, this time in Political Science, from Korea University.

A Life in Politics

Yi Cheol-seung had a long and active career in public service. Here's a look at some key moments.

Fighting for Korea's Freedom

In 1946, after Korea was freed from Japanese rule, Yi Cheol-seung became a leader for students.

• He was Chairman of the Central Committee for the Anti-Trustee Students Assembly. This group was against other countries controlling Korea.
• He also led the National Students Assembly as its Chairman.

Serving in the National Assembly

Yi Cheol-seung was elected to the National Assembly many times.

• 1954 – He became a Member of the 3rd National Assembly, representing Jeonju.
• 1958–1961 – He served in the 4th and 5th National Assemblies.
• 1971–1973 – He was a Member of the 8th National Assembly.
• 1973 – He became a Member of the 9th National Assembly. He also served as the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly.
• 1978 – He was a Member of the 10th National Assembly.
• 1985 – He served as a Member of the 12th National Assembly.

He also represented Korea on the world stage.

• 1961 – He was a delegate for Korea at the 15th United Nations General Assembly.
• 1975 – He was a delegate for Korea at the 30th United Nations General Assembly.

Yi Cheol-seung was also involved in sports organizations.

• 1961 – He became Chairman of the Korea Sports Council.
• 1961 – He was President of the Korea Weightlifting Federation.
• 1966 – He became Chairman of the Asia Weightlifting Federation.
• 1969 – He continued as Chairman of the Asia Weightlifting Federation.

Time Away from Politics

On May 16, 1961, there was a military coup in Korea led by Park Chung Hee. After this, Yi Cheol-seung was asked to join the new military government. He refused to help them. Because of this, he had to leave politics for a while. He went to the United States. While there, he spoke out against the military takeover in Korea. He also continued his studies in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

After His Political Career

Even after his time in the National Assembly, Yi Cheol-seung continued to be active in public life. He held many important roles in different organizations.

• 1990 – He became a Director for The Seoul Peace Prize. He also joined the committee that selects the winners.
• 1994 – He became a Co-chairman of the National Council for Freedom and Democracy.
• 1996 – He was Chairman of the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation. He also led the Seoul Peace Prize Selection Committee.
• 1996 – He was a Member of the Organizing Committee for the 2002 World Cup.
• 2007 – He became Chairman of the Parliamentarians' Society of the Republic of Korea.
• 2011–2016 – He served as Chairman of The Elders Group of the Parliamentarians' Society of the Republic of Korea.

His Final Years

Yi Cheol-seung passed away on February 27, 2016, in Seoul. He was 93 years old. His funeral was held on March 2, 2016. It included a special procession to the National Assembly building. He was buried with military honors at the Seoul National Cemetery. This is the same cemetery where many former South Korean presidents are buried.

Awards and Honors

Yi Cheol-seung received a very high honor for his service to his country.

• He was awarded the Order of Service Merit, known as the "Mugunghwa Medal" (Hangul: 국민훈장무궁화장). This is one of the highest awards given to South Korean citizens.

See also

• Kim Kyu-sik
• Kim Seong-su
• Syngman Rhee