Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) mourned the death of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who passed away on Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City after suffering cardiac arrest. As a mark of respect, the party refrained from engaging in discussions over a proposed merger with the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party and other contentious issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee had been serving as the senior vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council since October, aiding the current administration's North Korea and unification policies. His unexpected death led the DP to hold its Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly instead of the initially planned location on Jeju Island.

DP leader Jung Chung-rae expressed his condolences and pledged to uphold Lee's legacy, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Jung highlighted Lee as a pivotal figure and a "spiritual pillar" in South Korea's democratization movement during the 1970s and 1980s.

Floor leader Han Byung-do commended Lee's efforts in transforming the party into one with broad public support, promising that the DP would honor Lee's contributions and continue his pursuit of democratic principles.

In a show of unity, party members who had previously disagreed over the merger, including Rep. Lee Un-ju, joined in mourning Lee's passing without raising the merger issue. The DP has declared a week of mourning for Lee, with his funeral scheduled from January 27 to January 31.

Lee had traveled to Vietnam on Thursday and collapsed on Friday as his flu-like symptoms worsened. Despite undergoing a stent insertion procedure at a local hospital, he passed away shortly after.