Former lawmaker Byun Woong-jeon (邊雄田), a former announcer who hosted programs such as MBC's "Cheerful Sports Day" and was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and who served three terms in the National Assembly and as party leader, has died. He was 85.
According to the bereaved family on the 24th, he passed away on the night of the 23rd at Hyemin Hospital in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
Born in Seosan, South Chungcheong, he graduated from Seosan Agricultural High School and, while studying in the psychology department at Chung-Ang University, became an announcer at the Central Broadcasting Station (KBS) in 1963.
He was later scouted at MBC by Kim Kyung-tae (1935–1995), then the top entertainment producer, and gained great popularity for his polished hosting and signature hearty laugh through programs such as "Cheerful Blue-White Contest," "Parade of Feats," and "Cheerful Sports Day." Lee Sang-yong (1944–2025), known as "Popeye," who also recently died, debuted in the entertainment industry in 1973 when he was selected as an assistant MC for "Cheerful Blue-White Contest."
He entered politics in 1995 as the Spokesperson for the preparatory committee to found the United Liberal Democrats. Starting with the 15th general election in 1996, he won three terms in the Seosan–Taean constituency in the 16th and 18th National Assemblies. In the 18th National Assembly, he served as chair of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee. His last official role was as leader of the Liberty Forward Party in 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Choi Myung-sook, and two sons (Byun Ji-myeong and Byun Ji-seok). The wake is in Room 35 of the funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Seoul (visitation from 12 p.m. on the 25th), the funeral is at 8 a.m. on the 27th, and the burial site is Jahayeon in Pangyo.