Han In-ok, the wife of former Grand National Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) leader Lee Hoi-chang, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88.
Born in 1938 in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province, Han was the daughter of former Supreme Court Justice Han Sung-soo. She graduated from Kyunggi Girls' High School and the Department of Home Economics Education at Seoul National University's College of Education. She married Lee in 1962 and was widely regarded as having stood by his side and supported him for many years.
Known for her composed image, Han also drew attention for her outspoken remarks. During the 2002 presidential election, when Lee ran as the Grand National Party candidate, she made headlines at a party retreat by saying, "We must win the presidential election even if the sky splits in two."
She is survived by two sons and a daughter. A memorial altar has been set up in Special Room No. 2 at the funeral hall of Yonsei University's Severance Hospital in Sinchon. The funeral procession will be held on Friday, and she will be laid to rest at Gwangneung Memorial Park.
