President Lee Jae-myung on the 25th offered condolences on the death of Senior Vice Chair Lee Hae-chan of The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), who previously served as prime minister, saying, "Korea today lost a great teacher in the history of democracy."
Lee said on his Facebook page the same day, "I cannot contain my grief at the news of the deceased's passing," and "On behalf of the Republic of Korea, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family."
He went on, "Amid the turbulent modern history, he devoted his life to safeguarding and expanding the values of democracy," and recalled, "The mettle of a young person who fought for democracy was sublimated into sophisticated policy at the center of state affairs."
He added, "In the face of the tasks of the times, while not bending principles and convictions, he showed outstanding leadership that harmoniously led stability and reform," and assessed, "In particular, by presenting a new national vision of balanced regional development and pursuing innovative policies that enabled the capital area and the regions to grow together, he laid an important foundation for Korea to leap forward as an advanced nation."
He also noted, "We reflect on the will of the senior vice chair, who sought a path of peace with a firm belief in unification," and said, "Just as a river meanders but ultimately flows to the sea, the journey toward the democracy and peaceful unification he so longed to achieve, and toward Korea's balanced development, will continue."
Lee added, "We will long remember the precious political legacy you have left behind," and "Senior Vice Chair Lee Hae-chan, we pray that you lay down all heavy burdens now and rest in eternal peace."
Senior Vice Chair Lee collapsed on the 23rd while on a business trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to attend the Asia-Pacific Steering Committee of the PUAC. He was taken to a hospital, diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, and underwent stent placement, but ultimately died. The flight transporting the deceased back to Korea is scheduled to arrive at Incheon Airport at about 6:45 a.m. on the 27th.