Goryeong-gun County Chief Lee Nam-cheol. [Goryeong-gun]
Goryeong-gun County Chief Lee Nam-cheol. [Goryeong-gun]

Lee Nam-cheol, the county chief of Goryeong-gun in North Gyeongsang Province, died early Tuesday from a chronic illness. He was 65.

Lee had recently taken medical leave and been focusing on treatment.

Born in 1961, Lee spent much of his career in public service at Goryeong-gun, serving in posts including director of the county's administrative welfare bureau. He was elected county chief in the 8th nationwide local elections in 2022, leading the county's eighth elected administration.

During his tenure, he worked to boost tourism centered on the Daegaya ancient capital designation and the Jisan-dong Ancient Tombs — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — while also strengthening the local economy and agricultural competitiveness and improving living conditions.

He was reelected in the 9th nationwide local elections held in June and had been leading the county's ninth elected administration.

News of his sudden death sent shock through the county's public service community and the wider local community.

A funeral parlor has been set up at Goryeong Daegaya Funeral Hall. The funeral procession is scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, with burial to follow at Hapcheon Memorial Park.

He is survived by his wife, Lee Gyeong-hwa, and son Seong-uk.

"We express our deepest condolences at his sudden passing," a Goryeong-gun official said. "The county will do its utmost to honor the deceased during the mourning period and ensure the funeral proceedings are conducted with solemnity, in keeping with the grief of county residents and people from all walks of life."


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