South Korea's Former Prime Minister Died During A Visit To Vietnam

• 25.01.2026, 16:17

Lee Hae Chan's heart stopped.

Former prime minister of the Republic of Korea Lee Hae-chan died at the age of 74 during a visit to Vietnam, reports Yonhap.

Lee died in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.

According to the agency, even before leaving for Vietnam - on January 22 - the politician complained of flu-like symptoms and was preparing to return home on Friday. On the same day - while waiting for a flight - the former prime minister became ill and was taken to the emergency room.

"There was a cardiac arrest during transportation to the hospital, and then another one in the hospital itself. Lee underwent a stent procedure but later died," the article said.

Lee Hae-chan served as prime minister from 2004 to 2006 under President Roh Moo-hyun. In October 2025, he was appointed vice president of the Advisory Council for Peaceful Unification.

Lee Hae-chan also previously served as Minister of Education (under President Kim Dae-jung) from 1998 to 1999. In particular, he initiated a revision of college admission procedures, lowered the retirement age for teachers, and was one of the first in Korea to combat school bullying.

As chairman of the Toburo Democratic Party (2018-2020), he actively supported economic reforms and the "sunshine" policy toward the DPRK - which entailed easing relations by encouraging interaction and economic assistance.