Chung Mong-hun

Chung Mong-hun was the fifth son of Chung Ju-yung, the founder of the South Korean Hyundai conglomerate. He joined Hyundai Heavy Industries in 1975 and became the president of the company's shipping interests by 1981. He later took charge of the company's electronics division in 1982. In 1997, he was appointed as the co-chairman of Hyundai Group, and in 2000, he became the sole chairman of the group. He also became the chairman of Hyundai Asan, the company in charge of various business ventures between North and South Korea. He was involved in the secret money transfers of millions of dollars by the Kim Dae-jung administration to North Korea to set up the 2000 inter-Korean summit, which led to his indictment in June 2003. Facing up to three years in prison, he committed suicide on August 4, 2003, by leaping from his 12th floor office. He was married to Hyun Jeong-eun, who succeeded him as the chairwoman of Hyundai Group. He had three children: Chung Eui-sun, Chung Sung-yi, and Chung Ji-sun. He was known for his passion and dedication to the inter-Korean cooperation and reconciliation. He was also a philanthropist who supported various social and cultural causes.