Lee Hae-chan, senior vice chair of The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) and a former prime minister, died on the 25th (local time), three days after being admitted to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, due to a rapid deterioration in health.
Until the day before, Lee's complexion and breathing were said to have improved somewhat, and the possibility of transporting Lee to Korea was discussed. However, Lee's condition suddenly worsened that day, and Lee died at about 2:48 p.m.
A person at the scene said, "It was an unexpected situation," and noted, "Everyone was shocked and in tears."
At Lee's deathbed were Lee's wife, daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, as well as Cho Jeong-sik, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker and the president's special political adviser, and Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Hae-sik and Lee Jae-jeong.
After Lee's passing, special adviser Cho met reporters at the entrance to the intensive care unit ward and said, "Senior Vice Chair Lee Hae-chan was a living witness of democracy who devoted his entire life to the development of democracy in Korea," adding, "Lee could have played a greater role going forward, so this is deeply heartbreaking and regrettable."
At about 4:10 p.m., Lee's body was moved by ambulance to a nearby military hospital. The bereaved family rode in the ambulance, and special adviser Cho, lawmakers Lee Hae-sik and Lee Jae-jeong, Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young-sam, and dozens of members of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council followed in other vehicles.
Lee's body is expected to be transferred to Korea on the 26th after procedures in Vietnam, such as washing and shrouding, for transport to Korea.