Former South Korean president Choi dies at 87

SEOUL, Oct 22 (Reuters) Former South Korean president Choi Kyu-hah, the country's shortest-serving leader ousted in 1980 in the wake of a military coup, died today aged 87, a Seoul hospital official said.

As prime minister, Choi succeeded authoritarian president Park Chung-hee on his assassination in late 1979. Choi was toppled a few months later by a group of generals led by Chun Doo-hwan, who ruled until forced to call free elections in 1987.

Choi was taken to Seoul National University Hospital on Sunday where he was pronounced dead, the official said. One of the former president's aides said he apppeared to have suffered heart failure.

Choi served Park as foreign minister (1967 to 1971), presidential security advisor (1971-75) and prime minister from 1976.

After his overthrow, Choi lived quietly out of public view.

REUTERS LL ND1154