Hong Gi

Hong Gi (3 March 1916 – 20 July 2004) was the wife of South Korean President Choi Kyu-hah. She was the first lady when Choi Kyu-hah was in office, from 1979 to 1980. Early life Hong Gi was born in 1916 in Chūshū, Chūseihoku-dō (today Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea), the eldest of three daughters of Hong Byung-soon and Kwon Jae-hee. Her grandfather was a known Chinese scholar, and she learned Chinese from a grown-up. As a result, she did not attend a regular educational institution. In 1935, she married Choi Kyu-hah, who was three years younger than her. Between 1935 and 1943, Choi went to study at higher institutions in Japan and Manchukuo. During this time, she lived with her in-laws. In 1964, Choi was appointed as South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia. As a result, she went with her husband to Kuala Lumpur where they lived together. During this time, she learned English while serving as the wife of the ambassador to Malaysia, and happily served as the hostess as the ambassador's wife at the garden reception. On 1967, Choi was appointed as Foreign Minister. On 1975, Choi was elected as the Prime Minister of South Korea. During this time, Hong took care of the kitchen and laundry herself. Hong's role changed a lot with Choi's position, but she always stayed in the shadows.