Lee Hae-chan, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Passes Away... Outpouring of Condolences from Gwangju and South Jeolla Political Circles

Lee Hae-chan, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council and former Prime Minister, passed away on the 25th in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He was 73 years old. While visiting Vietnam as part of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council’s Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, he suffered a myocardial infarction and had been receiving treatment at a local hospital, but ultimately did not regain consciousness.

Lee Hae-chan, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, passed away on the 25th while receiving treatment in Vietnam, the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council announced. He was 73 years old. Yonhap News Agency

According to the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, the late Lee’s remains will depart Vietnam on Korean Air flight KE476 at 11:50 p.m. on the 26th and are scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport at 6:45 a.m. on the 27th, after which they will be transported to the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital. Currently, he is temporarily laid to rest at a local military hospital in Vietnam, and the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council is discussing the format of the funeral with his family and related organizations. Various options, including a state funeral, are under consideration.

This sad news drew deep condolences from the political community in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.

Kim Young-rok, Governor of South Jeolla Province, stated, "We have lost a towering figure of democracy and a major pillar in the history of Korean politics," and added, "From the student movement against the Yushin regime, to the Mincheonghakryeon Incident, to the Kim Dae-jung Rebellion Conspiracy Case, he was a defender of democracy who never yielded under the oppression of authoritarian regimes." He continued, "As Prime Minister, he laid the foundation for balanced national development and paid special attention and support to the long-standing projects of South Jeolla Province."

Kang Gi-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, said, "He was an architect of democracy, a mentor to every president, and always a great supporter of Gwangju," adding, "Together with 1.4 million citizens of Gwangju, I pray for his soul."

Shin Jung-hoon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, described Lee as "a towering figure of our era who never let go of principles, responsibility, and the nation’s grand direction," and said, "He sought to make politics not a transaction of interests, but a process of responsibility for the community and the vulnerable." He also highlighted Lee’s contribution to regional development, mentioning the relocation of Korea Electric Power Corporation to the Gwangju-South Jeolla Innovation City during the Roh Moo-hyun administration.

Joo Cheol-hyeon, a member of the National Assembly, expressed, "I cannot contain my deep sorrow and grief over the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan," and added, "He steadfastly upheld the center of Korean politics and state affairs as Prime Minister, National Assembly member, and party leader." He continued, "His dedication to educational reform, decentralization, and the establishment of responsible politics will be remembered for a long time."

Lee Byung-hoon, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party’s Honam Special Committee, said, "From the place that Prime Minister Lee left behind, we continue to learn the value of democracy," and emphasized, "We will never forget his unwavering dedication to the people and the Democratic Party." He added, "He upheld principles in times of uncertainty and always stood by the people in difficult moments. With deep gratitude and respect, I pray for his soul."

Min Hyung-bae, a member of the National Assembly, stated, "A great star of Korean democracy has fallen," and pledged, "We will long remember his passionate life and great achievements." He also noted his commitment to the sense of public duty and the "three real principles" that Lee had always emphasized.

Jung Jin-wook, another member of the National Assembly, also expressed his condolences, saying, "A great star of Korean democracy has fallen," and added, "His life and accomplishments will forever remain in our hearts."