| Kwon Yang-sook | |
|---|---|
Kwon Yang-suk (left) with Laura Bush |
|
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 권양숙 |
| Hanja | 權良淑 |
| Revised Romanization | Gwon Yang-suk |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kwŏn Yangsuk |
| Dharma name | |
| Hangul | 대덕화 |
| Hanja | 大德華 |
| Revised Romanization | Daedeokhwa |
| McCune–Reischauer | Taedŏkhwa |
Kwon Yang-sook (Korean pronunciation: [kwʌnjaŋsuk]; born 23 December 1947) is the widow of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. She was the first lady when Roh was in office.[1] She is a Buddhist, with the Dharma name Daedeokhwa, and won support from the Buddhist community during her husband's presidential campaign.[2]
Over the Lunar New Year holiday in 2005, Kwon and her husband Roh underwent plastic surgery of their eyelids. Earlier, Kwon missed an official event claiming to have a cold.[3] The publicly cited reason for the procedure was medical, but many believe that the added crease on the upper eyelids and removal of excess skin and puffiness on both lids were cosmetic in nature.[4]
After Roh's term ended, Kwon was embroiled in a bribery scandal involving her husband. According to Roh's Web site, Kwon borrowed $1 million from Park Yeon-Cha, CEO of Taekwang Industry, to repay a personal debt. However, during questioning by police, Kwon refused to disclose how and where the money was spent.[5] Roh later committed suicide due to stress from the investigation. All charges were then dropped against the couple.
| Honorary titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rhee Hee-hoh |
First Lady of South Korea 2003–2008 |
Succeeded by Kim Yoon-ok |