South Korea's former president Roh Tae-woo dies at 88 - hospital

Japan's Emperor Akihito (R) toasts with South Korea's President Roh Tae-woo during an imperial banquet hosted by the emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, May 24, 1990, in this photo released by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS/Files

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean former president Roh Tae-woo, a decorated war veteran who played a pivotal but controversial role in the transition to democratic elections from rule by authoritarian leaders, has died, a Seoul hospital confirmed.

The 88-year-old died on Tuesday, a Seoul National University Hospital official said, without citing the cause of death.