South Korea Mourns Former Prime Minister Lee and Diplomat Gong, Highlighting Diplomatic Legacies

Updated 2026-01-27 09:32:01+00:00 (13 articles)

Lee Hae‑chan Dies in Vietnam, Prompting International Condolences Lee Hae‑chan passed away on Jan. 26 2026 while on an official visit to Vietnam [1]. Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing posted a condolence message on X, stressing Lee’s contribution to strengthening South Korea‑China ties [1]. The statement highlighted Lee’s two stints as presidential special envoy under Roh Moo‑hyun and Moon Jae‑in [1]. Regional leaders, including China, publicly expressed sympathy for Lee’s family [1].

Lee’s Pro‑Democracy Background and 2017 China Engagement Lee survived torture and imprisonment under authoritarian regimes before entering politics [1]. He served seven terms as a lawmaker and advised multiple liberal presidents, shaping South Korea’s democratic trajectory [1]. As a special envoy, he facilitated diplomatic engagement with China, culminating in a 2017 meeting with President Xi Jinping [1]. That meeting is presented as a hallmark of his long‑standing involvement in bilateral relations [1].

Gong Ro‑myung’s Death Marks End of Pioneering Diplomatic Career Gong Ro‑myung died at age 94 on Jan. 26 2026, confirmed by the East Asia Foundation [2]. He led negotiations that established South Korea‑Soviet diplomatic relations in September 1990, ending decades of Cold‑War estrangement [2]. After normalization, he became Seoul’s first ambassador to the Soviet Union and later served as top envoy to Japan (1993‑94) [2]. Appointed foreign minister by President Kim Young‑sam (1994‑96), he oversaw Korea’s external affairs during a period of regional transition [2]. Funeral arrangements were set at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, with condolence visits beginning Tuesday [2].

Sources (2 articles)

Timeline

Sep 1990 – Gong Ro‑myung leads negotiations that establish diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Soviet Union, ending decades of Cold‑War estrangement. [2]

1994‑1996 – Gong Ro‑myung serves as South Korea’s foreign minister, overseeing the nation’s external affairs during a period of regional transition. [2]

2017 – Former prime minister Lee Hae‑chan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring his long‑standing role in Seoul‑Beijing ties. [1]

June 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung is inaugurated, setting the stage for a series of diplomatic credential ceremonies later in the year. [12]

Oct 4 2025 – Former foreign minister Kang Kyung‑wha formally assumes the post of South Korea’s ambassador to the United States. [11]

Oct 29 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a summit on the sidelines of the APEC gathering in Gyeongju, reinforcing the bilateral agenda. [11]

Dec 10‑11 2025 – President Lee receives credentials from eight new ambassadors (India, Austria, Cambodia, Philippines, Egypt, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Lebanon), marking the third credential ceremony since his inauguration. [12]

Dec 16 2025 – Ambassador Ro Jae‑hun urges “expanding communication and exchanges” between Seoul and Beijing, citing the recent APEC‑side summit with Xi Jinping as a positive development. [10]

Dec 16 2025 – Yoon Soon‑gu is appointed South Korea’s ambassador to Indonesia, joining a reshuffle that also names new consuls‑general in Osaka and Atlanta. [9]

Dec 29 2025 – Kang Hoon‑sik, President Lee Jae Myung’s chief of staff, departs on a special envoy mission to boost defense exports; the office announces three similar missions through the first half of 2026. [8]

Jan 7 2026 – People Power Party leader Jang Dong‑hyeok apologizes for former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed martial‑law bid, signaling a break with the ex‑president as his criminal trial proceeds. [6]

Jan 7 2026 – The KOSPI briefly tops 4,600 points, driven by a rally in semiconductor stocks, highlighting the market’s tech‑led momentum. [6]

Jan 7 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair Euisun Chung meets Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at CES, raising expectations of an autonomous‑driving partnership. [6]

Jan 7 2026 – Samsung Display and Intel unveil “SmartPower HDR,” a technology that can cut OLED laptop power use by up to 22 percent. [6]

Jan 7 2026 – The Ministry of Economy and Finance announces a 200 billion‑won fund to support investment in under‑populated regions, expanding participating institutions from three to six. [6]

Jan 7 2026 – Acting U.S. ambassador Kevin Kim departs Seoul after roughly two months as charge d’affaires; sources say he may become a senior adviser to Under‑Secretary Allison Hooker on Korea‑related issues. [4]

Jan 7 2026 – Deputy chief of mission Jim Heller is named interim charge d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, ensuring continuity until a new ambassador is appointed. [4]

Jan 16 2026 – Retired Air Force chief Park In‑ho is appointed South Korea’s ambassador to Israel, bringing his 2021‑22 air‑force leadership experience to the diplomatic post. [3]

Jan 16 2026 – Scholar‑diplomat Kim Sung‑min is named consul‑general in Shenyang, strengthening Seoul’s diplomatic presence in a key Chinese city. [3]

Jan 26 2026 – Former prime minister Lee Hae‑chan dies while on a visit to Vietnam, prompting condolences from regional leaders. [1]

Jan 26 2026 – Former foreign minister and diplomat Gong Ro‑myung passes away at age 94; funeral arrangements are set at Severance Hospital’s Sinchon parish. [2]

Jan 27 2026 – Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing posts on X, offering “deep condolences and sympathy” to Lee Hae‑chan’s family and highlighting Lee’s role in strengthening South Korea‑China relations. [1]