Environmental Activist Jo Jung-rae Passes Away... Actor Jo Hyun-chul and Rapper Mad Clown's Father

Jung Joong-rae, Professor Emeritus, Department of Transportation Engineering, College of Engineering, Myongji University

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] Actor Jo Hyun-chul and rapper Mad Clown (real name Jo Dong-rim)'s father, environmental activist Jo Jung-rae, has passed away at the age of 70.

Jo Hyun-chul's agency, PrainTPC, announced on the 22nd, "Jo Hyun-chul's father passed away today as his condition worsened during his illness." The deceased was an honorary professor in the Department of Transportation Engineering at Myongji University and an environmental activist. He served as the head of the Urban Transportation Research Department at the Seoul Institute for Urban Development and as a director of Seoul Metro. He is credited with laying the foundation for environmental activism in Korea by establishing the 'Pollution Research Association.' He also founded the 'Justice Realization Lawyers' Association,' the predecessor of the 'Lawyers for a Democratic Society' (Minbyun), and was the younger brother of the late human rights lawyer Jo Young-rae, author of the biography of Jeon Tae-il.

Earlier, on the 6th, at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony, Jo Hyun-chul mentioned his father, who was battling illness, while delivering his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor in the TV category for the Netflix series "D.P." He said, "Dad, if you turn your eyes just a little, you can see the red flowers outside the yard window. That's grandma. Since grandma is there, I hope you are not scared." He added, "I hope you are not afraid and spend your last moments beautifully. I will soon come after sorting out the noisy matters. Please rest peacefully. I love you," drawing attention.

The deceased's funeral is being held at the Seoul Asan Medical Center funeral hall, with the funeral procession scheduled for 5:30 AM on the 24th.