'Symbol of Conservative Politics' Lee Han-dong's Final Journey... Cooperation and Unity Shine Bright

Former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong Passes Away
Entered Politics After Winning 11th General Election
President Moon Sends Floral Tribute in Condolence
Political and Business Figures Continue Paying Respects

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] At the funeral hall of former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong (photo), who emphasized cooperation and integration, a procession of condolences from political and business figures continues.

Former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong

Former Prime Minister Lee, who passed away on the 8th at the age of 87, was a figure symbolic of conservative politics in Korea, leaving a clear legacy in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. Born in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, he served as a judge at the Seoul District Court and a prosecutor at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office before entering politics by winning a seat in the 11th general election in 1981 as a member of the Democratic Justice Party shortly after the launch of the Chun Doo-hwan regime. He was subsequently elected six consecutive terms, serving as the ruling party's secretary-general, floor leader, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, and eventually as prime minister.

Notably, he served as floor leader (currently floor leader) three times during the Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, and Kim Young-sam administrations, leading parliamentary politics. Under the Kim Dae-jung administration, which began with the 'DJP Alliance,' he served as the third prime minister following Kim Jong-pil and Park Tae-joon. Emphasizing integration with the motto 'Haebulyangsu' (海不讓水, meaning "The sea does not refuse any water"), he was recognized for pursuing politics of compromise and dialogue.

Reflecting the late statesman’s legacy of crossing party lines and shaping Korean political history, the political sphere showed a bipartisan spirit in mourning. At the funeral hall, condolence wreaths from President Moon Jae-in as well as former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were displayed. On the 9th, President Moon sent a message through Presidential Chief of Staff Yoo Young-min, saying, "Please honor former Prime Minister Lee, who left a significant mark of integration and demonstrated leadership in our country's politics, and convey my condolences to his bereaved family."

Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum expressed his condolences, stating, "He played a major role in helping President Kim Dae-jung during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) foreign exchange crisis to calm public sentiment and overcome the national crisis." Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, described him as "a person who practiced the spirit of integration." Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun remembered him as "a true politician who excelled at cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties." Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, after paying respects, recalled the late statesman as someone who "handled all matters straightforwardly."

Business leaders also expressed their condolences. Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group; Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Group; and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, sent wreaths to mourn the deceased.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.