South Korea mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, a pivotal figure in the nation's democratic journey. Lee's death occurred during an official visit to Vietnam, where he was attending a meeting of an advisory panel focused on North Korea. President Lee Jae Myung described him as a 'great mentor' who dedicated his life to safeguarding and advancing democratic values through South Korea's tumultuous history. Lee's political career began as a student activist, leading a democracy movement that landed him in prison in the 1970s. He later became a seven-term member of parliament, known for his strategic prowess in helping liberal presidents secure victory. His passing marks a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape, with the conservative opposition People Power Party acknowledging his impact. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders extended condolences to South Korea and Lee's family, highlighting his enduring legacy in the region's political arena.
