Ex-South Korean PM Lee Hae-chan passes away after falling ill in Vietnam

Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has died at the age of 74 during a trip to Vietnam.

“He had complained of flu-like symptoms prior to departing for Vietnam on Thursday and was preparing to return home Friday after his condition deteriorated” the report said, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

It is specified that the politician experienced breathing difficulties while waiting for his return flight at Ho Chi Minh City airport, after which he was taken to hospital. According to available information, he suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and then a second cardiac arrest at the medical facility. He eventually passed away.

Lee Hae-chan served as prime minister from 2004 to 2006 under President Roh Moo-hyun and was elected to parliament seven times. From 2018 to 2020, he served as leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party.

By Khagan Isayev