<Anchor>
Ewha Womans University Emeritus Professor Lee Eo-ryeong, who served as the first Minister of Culture, has passed away at the age of 89.
He was the most intelligent man who left a huge footprint in the development of Korean culture.
This is reporter Jae Hee-won.
<Reporter> The
late Lee Ee-ryung, Ewha Womans University Emeritus Professor, who was called the most intelligent and representative cultural figure in Korea.
He passed away today (26th) at the age of 89.
Born in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do in 1933, former Minister Lee worked as a literary critic, journalist, and professor for the rest of his life as a representative commentator of the time.
Instead of undergoing chemotherapy, he devoted his last energies to writing his book, A Korean Story.
[Professor Lee Lee-ryeong / 2009 SBS interview: There are people who only look at the thorns that pierce the same rose, and there are people who see flowers that are more beautiful than those thorns.
Even a recession is actually like a rose with thorns.]
The burial place of the deceased will be prepared at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital and will be held by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
(Video coverage: Kim Won-bae, Video editing: Kim Kyung-yeon)