Former prime minister and presidential chief of staff, late Ro Jai-bong / Yonhap

Ro Jai-bong, who served as prime minister and presidential chief of staff during the 1988-1993 presidency of Roh Tae-woo, has died, his acquaintances said Wednesday. He was 88.

Ro died Tuesday night at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital after suffering from blood cancer for a year, they said.

Ro was an international political scientist who graduated from Seoul National University and received a doctorate in political science from New York University. He served as the chief of staff for then President Roh in 1990 and as the prime minister the following year.

He was also elected to the National Assembly in 1992 and served as president of Seoul Digital University from 2002-2005.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday. (Yonhap)