Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan Dies in Vietnam at 73
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – Lee Hae-chan, a prominent figure in South Korean politics who served as prime minister under President Roh Moo-hyun, died Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by the Secretariat of the National Unification Advisory Council.
Lee was on a trip to Vietnam when his health deteriorated Friday, leading to hospitalization. He was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and underwent a cardiac stent procedure, but did not regain consciousness, according to the council. He passed away at 2:48 p.m. local time.
Born in 1952 in Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong Province, Lee dedicated decades to public service. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1988 and served seven terms, becoming a key voice within the Democratic Party. He held leadership positions within the party in 2012 and again from 2019 to 2020.
Before becoming prime minister in 2004, Lee served as education minister under President Kim Dae-jung. His appointment as prime minister was notable as he was described as the first former activist to hold the position, signaling a shift towards a more progressive approach to governance. Roh Moo-hyun’s presidency (2003-2008) was a period of significant engagement with North Korea, and Lee’s role as prime minister was central to those efforts.
More recently, Lee served as a standing advisor to President Lee Jae-myung’s election strategy committee during the 2022 presidential election. In October 2025, he was appointed senior vice chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, a government body focused on inter-Korean relations. This appointment underscored his continued commitment to peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula, a long-standing goal of South Korean foreign policy.
South Korea’s reunification efforts are particularly relevant given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the continued division of the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War (1950-1953). The National Unification Advisory Council plays a crucial role in shaping policy and fostering dialogue.
Lee’s death comes at a time of evolving dynamics in Northeast Asia. His experience and perspective will be deeply missed as South Korea navigates complex regional challenges.
The original report on Lee’s passing was published by Asia Today: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260126010011782
[Image of Lee Hae-chan speaking at a ceremony, sourced from YONHAP / EPA]
