South Korea Announces Five‑Day Social Funeral for Late Former Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan
Updated (8 articles)
Lee Hae‑chan Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Ho Chi Minh City The 73‑year‑old former prime minister collapsed on 25 January 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City after reporting flu‑like symptoms and shortness of breath, suffered cardiac arrest, received a stent insertion, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital [2][4][6][7][8]. He was in Vietnam on an official business trip as senior vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) [4][5]. His death was confirmed by multiple South Korean authorities and reported by Yonhap [2][8].
Body to Arrive at Incheon Early Tuesday for Transfer PUAC announced that Lee’s remains will leave Vietnam late Monday, land at Incheon International Airport early Tuesday, and be moved to a military hospital before proceeding to the designated funeral venue [1][2][4]. Customs clearance and transport logistics are being coordinated by PUAC officials [1]. The schedule aligns with the government’s plan to begin mourning ceremonies later that week [1].
Five‑Day Social Funeral Set for Jan 27‑31 A five‑day “social funeral” will be held from 27 to 31 January, organized jointly by PUAC and the ruling Democratic Party [1]. The extended format exceeds the usual three‑day state funeral, reflecting Lee’s status as an influential figure in South Korean politics [1]. “Social funeral” denotes a longer public mourning period for individuals with significant societal contributions [1].
Leaders Across Spectrum Offer Condolences Highlighting Democratic Legacy President Lee Jae Myung posted a Facebook message calling Lee Hae‑chan “a great mentor in the history of democracy” and praised his balanced leadership [3]. Democratic Party spokesperson Park Soo‑hyun and chair Jung Chung‑rae described him as a “pillar” and “towering figure” of Korean democracy [2][4]. Opposition figures, including former President Moon Jae‑in and People Power Party spokesperson Choi Bo‑yun, also issued tributes, noting his seven‑term lawmaking career and nickname “kingmaker” for guiding four progressive presidents [4][5].
PUAC Role Linked to Unification Strategy Lee had been appointed senior vice chair of PUAC in October 2025, a position intended to support President Lee Jae Myung’s North Korea and reunification policies [2][6]. The council’s involvement in funeral planning underscores his continued influence on inter‑Korean affairs [1][6].
Sources (8 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Former Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan’s Five‑Day “Social Funeral” Set for Jan 27‑31: Announces an extended five‑day funeral organized by PUAC and the Democratic Party, explains the “social funeral” concept, and details logistics for Lee’s body arrival .
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[2]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Dies in Vietnam: Reports Lee’s death from cardiac arrest after flu‑like symptoms, outlines repatriation plans, and summarizes his decades‑long political career and DP mourning period .
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[3]
Yonhap: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Condoles Death of Former Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan: Focuses on President Lee’s Facebook condolence, praising Lee’s democratic legacy and includes a 2025 Liberation Day photo .
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[4]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Dies While on Vietnam Business Trip: Details the medical emergency, flu symptoms, stent procedure, and lists extensive cross‑party tributes, highlighting his “kingmaker” reputation .
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[5]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan Dies in Vietnam: Emphasizes the business‑trip context, PUAC’s funeral coordination, and bipartisan condolences, noting his senior advisory role .
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[6]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Dies in Vietnam: Reiterates death facts, two cardiac arrests, PUAC funeral arrangements, and explains his PUAC appointment’s purpose for unification policy .
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[7]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Dies in Ho Chi Minh City: Provides a timeline of collapse at the airport, stent insertion, and includes a recent PUAC meeting photo, underscoring his senior vice‑chair position .
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[8]
Yonhap: Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Dies in Vietnam: Concise report of Lee’s death, senior PUAC role, stent procedure, and a 2025 council meeting photo, offering basic biographical context .
Timeline
2004 – 2006 – Lee Hae‑chan serves as Prime Minister under President Roh Moo‑hyun, steering key reforms and earning the nickname “kingmaker” for his influence on progressive administrations. [4]
Oct 2025 – Lee is appointed senior vice‑chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), a role designed to back President Lee Jae Myung’s North‑Korea and reunification agenda. [4]
Aug 15, 2025 – Lee stands beside President Lee Jae Myung at the 80th Liberation Day ceremony in Gwanghwamun Square, underscoring his continued prominence in national commemorations. [3]
Jan 25, 2026 – While on a Vietnam business trip, Lee reports flu‑like symptoms, collapses at Tan Son Nhat Airport, suffers two cardiac arrests, receives a stent, and dies at a Ho Chi Minh City hospital at 2:48 p.m. local time. [7]
Jan 25, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung posts on Facebook, “I offer deep condolences… a great mentor in the history of democracy,” praising Lee’s democratic legacy. [3]
Jan 25, 2026 – Democratic Party spokesperson Park Soo‑hyun calls Lee “a pillar of South Korea’s democracy for half a century,” and DP chair Jung Chung‑rae describes him as a “towering figure of Korean democracy.” [2]
Jan 26, 2026 – The PUAC and the ruling Democratic Party announce a five‑day “social funeral” for Lee, scheduled Jan 27‑31, extending the usual three‑day state mourning to honor his societal contributions. [1]
Jan 27 – 31, 2026 – Lee’s remains arrive at Incheon International Airport on Jan 27, are transferred to a military hospital, and a five‑day public mourning ceremony proceeds, allowing citizens extended time to pay respects. [1]