Lee Haechan, Who Served with Kim Daejung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jaemyung, Likely to Have Public Funeral

Lee Haechan, Senior Vice Chairperson of the National Unification Advisory Council and former Prime Minister, passed away at the age of 73 after collapsing from a myocardial infarction on January 25 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during the Asia-Pacific regional meeting of the National Unification Advisory Council. The Council is currently discussing the type of funeral with the bereaved family and relevant authorities, with a social funeral being strongly considered. If a state funeral is held, it would require a recommendation from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and deliberation and approval by the Cabinet.

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The former Prime Minister will return to Korea on Korean Air flight KE476 at 11:50 p.m. on January 26, arriving at Incheon International Airport at 6:45 a.m. on January 27, after which his body will be transported to the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital. Upon hearing news of his critical condition, President Lee Jaemyung immediately dispatched Special Political Advisor Cho Jungshik to the site.

President Lee wrote on Facebook, "Today, the Republic of Korea has lost a great teacher in the history of democracy," and added, "Just as a river, though it bends, ultimately flows to the sea, the journey toward democracy, peaceful unification, and balanced national development will continue." He also commemorated Lee's leadership, which harmonized principle and conviction with stability and reform, and honored his vision for regional balanced development and his belief in peaceful unification, saying, "The spirit of a young fighter was sublimated into sophisticated state policies."

Born in 1952 in Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province, the late Lee was a first-generation activist who participated in student movements while attending Seoul National University, was imprisoned for involvement in the Mincheonghakryeon Incident and the Kim Daejung Rebellion Conspiracy Case, and operated the social science bookstore Gwangjang. After joining the Peace Democratic Party, he entered the National Assembly in 1988 as the youngest member of the 13th National Assembly at age 36, eventually serving seven terms. In 2016, after being excluded from party nominations, he reaffirmed his presence by being elected as an independent in Sejong. As Minister of Education under President Kim Daejung, he led education reforms such as abolishing the academic achievement test, introducing the College Scholastic Ability Test, and expanding high school equalization, giving rise to the phrase "Lee Haechan Generation." As Prime Minister under President Roh Moohyun in 2004, he was involved in the planning of the administrative capital city (Sejong City).

He is also regarded as a "kingmaker" who helped create administrations. He was responsible for election strategies during the formation of the Kim Daejung administration, served as head of election planning for Roh Moohyun's campaign, was the campaign chair for Moon Jaein in 2017, and as Democratic Party leader from 2018 to 2020, led the party to victory in the 2020 general elections. Former President Moon Jaein remembered him as a "longtime comrade" and a "reliable partner in state affairs," expressing his condolences. Lee also worked closely with President Lee Jaemyung as a senior advisor in the 2021 presidential election and as co-chair of the campaign committee for the 2024 general elections, and was appointed Senior Vice Chairperson of the National Unification Advisory Council in October last year.

Cheong Wa Dae aides also issued messages of condolence. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik said, "He devoted his entire life to the great dream of democratization and building a democratic national party," vowing to remember Lee's words: "Learn values from history and find methods in reality." Senior Political Secretary Hong Ikpyo wrote, "I will continue his will and strive for a world full of justice and peace."

Yonhap News Agency

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Both ruling and opposition parties expressed their condolences in unison. Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, wrote on Facebook, "I pray for the repose of Senior Advisor Lee Haechan, who dedicated his life to democracy in Korea." The Democratic Party designated the funeral period as a time of party-wide mourning, and party leaders plan to greet the procession upon its arrival at Incheon Airport on January 27. Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting, "We will carry on his unwavering belief in democracy and his practical efforts to build a better nation."

Choi Boyoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "His journey from the democratic movement to taking responsibility for state affairs will remain a chapter in our political history." Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, commented, "He fulfilled his duties in the political field for many years as a seven-term lawmaker and Prime Minister." Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon said, "I will remember his footsteps as someone who took responsibility for a pillar of Korean politics and did his utmost for the nation and its people," offering his condolences.

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