HANOI – Lee Hae-chan, who served as South Korea’s Prime Minister from 2000 to 2002, has died in Ho Chi Minh City at age 73 following a severe illness, according to an official statement released by the Vietnamese government on Sunday.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that despite receiving extensive medical treatment coordinated between national authorities and Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee, the former premier’s condition proved fatal. The statement emphasized that Vietnamese medical teams provided the highest standard of care during his final days.
In response to the statesman’s passing, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other senior government officials have conveyed their profound sympathies to both the South Korean government and Lee’s bereaved family. The diplomatic gesture highlights the continuing strengthening of bilateral relations between Vietnam and South Korea.
Lee Hae-chan, a prominent political figure who played a significant role in South Korea’s democratic development, served during the administration of President Kim Dae-jung. His political career spanned decades as a member of the Democratic Party, where he advocated for progressive policies and inter-Korean reconciliation.
The passing of the former leader in a foreign nation underscores the global mobility of senior statesmen and the international dimensions of contemporary Asian diplomacy. Vietnamese authorities have indicated their commitment to facilitating the repatriation of Lee’s remains in coordination with South Korean officials.