Seoul: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has died while on a business trip in Vietnam, officials confirmed on Sunday. The 73-year-old former leader was in the country serving in his capacity as a senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC).

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee passed away at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City at approximately 2:48 p.m. local time following a cardiac arrest. It was reported that he had been experiencing flu-like symptoms before his departure for Vietnam last Thursday and was planning to return home on Friday after his condition worsened.

Lee was rushed to the emergency room on Friday after suffering from shortness of breath at Tan Son Nhat International Airport while awaiting his return flight. During his transfer to the hospital, he reportedly experienced cardiac arrest and suffered another one upon arrival. Despite undergoing a stent insertion procedure, Lee later succumbed to his condition.

Lee Hae-chan was a notable figure in South Korean politics, serving as a seven-term lawmaker and as the Prime Minister under the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun between 2004 and 2006. He was appointed as the senior vice chairperson of the PUAC in October of the previous year.