Hong Gi

Hong Gi (; 3 March 1916 – 20 July 2004) was the wife of South Korean President Choi Kyu-hah. She was the first lady when Choi was in office, from 1979 to 1980.

Early life Hong Gi was born in 1916 in Chungju, Chūseihoku Province, Korea, Empire of Japan. She was the eldest of three daughters of Hong Pyongsun and Kwŏn Chaehŭi . Her grandfather was a reputed traditional scholar, and she attended traditional schools. As a result, she did not attend a modern educational institution.

In 1935, she married Choi Kyu-hah, who was three years younger than her. Between 1935 and 1943, Choi went to study at higher institutions in Japan and Manchukuo. During this time, she lived with her in-laws. In 1964, Choi was appointed as South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia. As a result, she went with her husband to Kuala Lumpur where they lived together. During this time, she learned English while serving as the wife of the ambassador to Malaysia, and happily served as the hostess as the ambassador's wife at the garden reception. On 1967, Choi was appointed as Foreign Minister.

On 1975, Choi was elected as the Prime Minister of South Korea. During this time, Hong took care of the kitchen and laundry herself. Hong's role changed a lot with Choi's position, but she always stayed in the shadows.

Death On July 20, 2004, Hong Gi died of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 88. Her remains were initially buried at the Seoul National Cemetery. When her husband died two years later, her remains were relocated and reinterred at a special tomb site alongside Choi in the Daejeon National Cemetery.

Personal life Hong and Choi Kyu-hah have three children: sons (Choi Yun-hong, Choi Jong-seok) and daughter (Choi Jong-hye).

Honours

In popular culture Korea Gate (1995) - Jun Won-ju