Wife of Late Hyundai
Founder Put to Rest

500 celebrities offer condolenses during a funeral

Byun Joong-seok, wife of Hyundai Group's late founder, Chung Ju-yung was laid to rest on Aug. 21 during a funeral. She died of chronic diseases at the age of 86 on Aug. 18. The late Byun had been suffering from high blood pressure for almost 10 years.
Her funeral was held in a solemn manner at the Asan Medical Center at 7:20 a.m. on Aug. 21. Among 500 participants were former prime minister Lee Hong-koo, Korea University President Han Seung-joo, ex-vice premier-minister of education Lee Sang-joo, foreign diplomatic corps members and business leaders.
Kia Motors President Chung Eui-son, the eldest grand son by the eldest son of the late Byun, carried her portrait before the hearse. Hyundai Automotive Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo and Rep. Chung Mong-joon and other sons and grandsons followed the procession.
Unlike the wives of the owners of other chaebols, or family-controlled conglomerates, the late Byun had been credited with having led a frugal life and assisted her husband, one of the business leaders who contributed greatly to Korea's economic strides.
The late Chung had acclaimed his wife in his autobiography before he died, saying that he respected her dedication to their children and all her life remained humble under any circumstances.
In a related development, North Korean sent condolences over the death of the late Byun.
North Korea's Asia Pacific Peace Committee and officials in charge of tourism development sent telephone messages to South Korea's Hyundai Kia Motor Group chairman Chung Mong koo and Hyundai Group chairwoman Hyun Jeong eun, respectively, saying that they express deep condolences to the bereaved families of the late Byun. nw

Kia Motors President Chung Eui-son, the eldest grand son by the eldest son of the late Byun Joong-seok, carries her portrait during a funeral procession.