President Dispatches Senior Aide and Lawmakers to Vietnam for Critical Former PM Lee
Updated (3 articles)
Former Prime Minister Collapses in Ho Chi Minh, Suffers Heart Attack Lee Hae‑chan collapsed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport while returning from a Peaceful Unification Advisory Council meeting, suffered a heart attack and required CPR; doctors performed a stent insertion and placed him on a mechanical breathing device, leaving him unconscious and in critical condition [3][1][2].
President Lee Orders Immediate Diplomatic Mission to Vietnam President Lee Jae Myung directed senior presidential adviser Cho Jung‑sik and several Democratic Party lawmakers to travel to Vietnam after receiving reports of Lee’s deteriorating health, emphasizing the administration’s priority to monitor the situation and coordinate any needed assistance [2][1].
Cho Jung‑sik Departs Incheon, Heads to Vietnam for Assessment Cho left Incheon Airport at 09:20 a.m. on Jan 24, tasked with evaluating Lee’s condition, reporting directly to the president, and determining whether further medical or diplomatic measures are required [2][1].
Democratic Party Lawmakers Arrive, Offer Political Support Lawmakers including Rep. Kim Tae‑nyeon visited the hospital, praised Lee’s contributions to democratization, expressed optimism for a “miracle” recovery, and pledged continued political backing while awaiting updates [1][2].
Vietnamese Authorities Coordinate Hospital Logistics and Support Officials from Vietnam’s prime‑ministerial office are cooperating closely with South Korean representatives to manage Lee’s hospitalization, ensuring smooth logistics for the foreign delegation [1].
Lee’s Condition Shows Minor Improvement but Remains Critical The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council notes modest improvements in Lee’s breathing and complexion, yet he remains unconscious on intensive‑care support and will stay hospitalized until stabilization [1].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: South Korean Officials Arrive in Vietnam as Former Prime Minister Lee Hae‑chan Remains Critical – Highlights the arrival of Cho and DP lawmakers, slight health improvement, and Vietnamese cooperation with South Korean officials .
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[2]
Yonhap: Senior presidential aide flies to Vietnam to aid former PM Lee Hae‑chan – Focuses on Cho’s departure, presidential orders, and the planned briefing to the president, underscoring the administration’s response .
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[3]
Yonhap: Ex-PM Lee Hae-chan in critical condition in Vietnam after heart attack and stent procedure – Details the collapse at the airport, prior flu‑like symptoms, two cardiac arrests during transport, and the initial plan to dispatch a senior secretary .
Timeline
Nov 2025 – Lee Hae‑chan assumes the role of senior vice‑chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, positioning him to advise President Lee Jae‑Myung on Korean unification policy after his tenure as prime minister, a backdrop that heightens the impact of his later health crisis [2].
Jan 23, 2026 – Lee Hae‑chan collapses at Tan Son Nhat International Airport while returning from a PUAC meeting, suffers two cardiac arrests, receives CPR, and is rushed to hospital where doctors perform a stent insertion; he remains on a mechanical breathing device in critical condition [3].
Jan 23, 2026 – Officials report that Lee had complained of flu‑like symptoms the day before his departure, suggesting his condition deteriorated during the Vietnam visit [3].
Jan 24, 2026 (early morning) – President Lee Jae‑Myung orders senior presidential adviser Cho Jung‑sik to fly to Vietnam after receiving a report of Lee’s worsening state; Cho departs Incheon at 9:20 a.m. to assess the situation and brief the president [2].
Jan 24, 2026 (morning) – Several Democratic Party lawmakers, including Rep. Lee Jae‑jung, travel with Cho to Vietnam to monitor Lee’s health and provide political support, underscoring the party’s concern for the former premier [2].
Jan 24, 2026 (mid‑day) – Cho Jung‑sik and the DP lawmakers land in Ho Chi Minh City, where Vietnamese authorities cooperate with South Korean officials to manage Lee’s hospitalization and related logistics [1].
Jan 24, 2026 (afternoon) – DP lawmaker Rep. Kim Tae‑nyeon tells reporters that Lee has made “great and significant” contributions to South Korea’s democratization and prosperity and hopes for a “miracle” recovery, reflecting political optimism amid the crisis [1].
Jan 24, 2026 (evening) – The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council notes a modest improvement in Lee’s breathing and complexion, but confirms he remains unconscious and under intensive care, indicating his condition stays critical [1].