Former South Korean prime minister Lee Hae-chan has died in Vietnam, aged 73.
Lee, who was the chief vice-chairman of the presidential National Unification Advisory Council, was on a business trip to Ho Chi Minh City for a council committee meeting when he suddenly fell ill on January 23, according to the council.
He was taken to hospital but passed away at around 2.48pm local time on January 25. He had received a heart stent surgery after a myocardial infarction but his condition did not improve.
The council said it is coordinating with his family and relevant agencies regarding the repatriation of his remains and funeral arrangements.
A seven-term lawmaker considered a political mentor to President Lee Jae-myung, Lee Hae-chan served as the 34th prime minister of South Korea from 2004 to 2006. He was appointed to the advisory council post last October.
