Former S.Korean PM passes away in Ho Chi Minh City

The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), where Lee was serving as a senior vice-president, confirmed his passing.

Also, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed on Sunday night that Lee died the same day.

The former prime minister was on a working trip to Ho Chi Minh City earlier this week.

He was transported to an emergency room on Friday after experiencing shortness of breath while waiting for his return flight at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, according to Yonhap News Agency.

After receiving the news, the Vietnamese ministry worked closely with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and relevant agencies to provide the best possible medical care for the former South Korean prime minister in the city, Hang said.

However, due to the severity of his illness, Lee could not make it.

“Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other Vietnamese leaders have extended profound condolences to the government of South Korea and the bereaved family,” the spokesperson said.

A former seven-term lawmaker, Lee served as prime minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2004 to 2006.

He was appointed as senior vice-chairperson of the PUAC in October last year.

Lee was known for his close ties with four progressive presidents: Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and President Lee Jae Myung, serving both as a political ally and adviser.