Lawmaker's death reduces Democratic Party's seats to 86

By Tony Chang
SEOUL, Jan. 20 (Yonhap) -- Lee Yong-sam, a four-term lawmaker with the main
opposition Democratic Party (DP), died on Wednesday after a long fight against
cancer, DP officials said, noting his death will reduce the party's parliamentary
seats to 86.

A native of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, the prosecutor-turned-lawmaker was
diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2008 and died at a hospital in Seoul Wednesday
morning, according to the officials. He was 53.
Even after his cancer diagnosis, Lee had vigorously engaged in legislative
activities, moving forward a score of bills, including those on the establishment
of an industrial zone in the Gangwon region.
He also served as chairman of a special parliamentary committee on improving
inter-Korean relations.
The ruling Grand National Party controls 169 seats.
The National Assembly will hold a memorial ceremony for Lee on Friday.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)

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