Seoul: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan passed away on Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, while on a business trip. He was 73 years old and serving as a senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC). Lee succumbed to cardiac arrest at a local hospital at approximately 2:48 p.m. local time, as confirmed by PUAC officials.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee had been experiencing flu-like symptoms before departing for Vietnam on Thursday. His condition worsened, and he planned to return to South Korea on Friday. However, while awaiting his flight at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, he experienced shortness of breath and was rushed to an emergency room. During the transfer to the hospital, Lee suffered cardiac arrest, followed by another episode at the hospital, leading to his death despite undergoing a stent insertion procedure.
The PUAC reported that Lee's family is currently in discussions with relevant authorities regarding the transportation of his remains and the arrangements for his funeral. Lee's political career spans decades, having served as a seven-term lawmaker and as prime minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2004 to 2006. He became the senior vice chairperson of the PUAC in October last year.
Lee's political journey began with his involvement in the pro-democracy movement during South Korea's military regimes. He entered politics through student activism and opposition activities and was elected to the National Assembly in 1988. He later served as education minister under the Kim Dae-jung administration before becoming prime minister under Roh Moo-hyun.
Lee was closely associated with four progressive South Korean presidents: Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and President Lee Jae Myung. His influence earned him the nickname "kingmaker" for his advisory role in their political careers. Notably, as education minister, he implemented significant education reforms known as the "Lee Hae-chan Generation."
During Roh Moo-hyun's administration, Lee was one of the president's most trusted aides and considered a "powerful" prime minister. As a key figure in Roh's political faction, he supported Moon Jae-in's presidential campaigns in 2012 and 2017 and led the ruling party in 2018, following Moon's election. He also supported President Lee Jae Myung ahead of the presidential election last year.
South Korea's political community expressed their condolences following Lee's death. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) spokesperson Park Soo-hyun described him as a "pillar of South Korea's democracy." DP Chairman Jung Chung-rae highlighted Lee's lifelong dedication to democracy, peace, human rights, and historical truth.
Former President Moon Jae-in remembered Lee as a steadfast partner in state affairs, expressing his sorrow on Facebook. Condolences also came from the main opposition People Power Party, with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon acknowledging Lee's significant contributions to Korean politics and the nation.