Lee Hae‑chan’s Death in Vietnam Triggers National Mourning Former prime minister Lee Hae‑chan collapsed in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, was hospitalized for a stent insertion, and suffered cardiac arrest that caused his death on Sunday [1][2]. He had arrived in Vietnam on Thursday after flu‑like symptoms worsened [1][2]. His passing prompted the Democratic Party to convene a Supreme Council meeting in Seoul and declare a five‑day mourning period from Jan 27‑31 [1][2].

Democratic Party Suspends Merger Debate to Honor Lee At the Jan 26 Supreme Council session, party leaders set aside the planned merger with the minor Rebuilding Korea Party [1]. The meeting, originally scheduled for Jeju, was moved to the National Assembly out of respect for Lee [1]. Both supporters and dissenting lawmakers, including Rep. Lee Un‑ju, joined the condolence ceremony and avoided the merger topic [1].

Jung Chung‑rae Pledges Continuation of Lee’s Democratization and Peace Agenda Party leader Jung Chung‑rae called Lee a “symbol of South Korea’s democratization” and vowed to keep his human‑rights and inter‑Korean peace initiatives alive [2]. He framed Lee’s legacy as a compass for future reforms and described peace on the peninsula as an unfinished task [2]. Jung’s remarks emphasized the DP’s reliance on veteran figures to guide policy under the Lee Jae Myung administration [2].

Official Funeral Schedule and Council Vacancy Highlight Political Transition Lee’s funeral rites are slated for five consecutive days, Jan 27‑31, with ceremonies held in Seoul [1][2]. His death leaves a vacancy in the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, where he served as senior vice chairperson since October [1][2]. The council’s leadership gap underscores ongoing political transitions affecting inter‑Korean relations [1][2].