Oct 2025 – Lee Hae‑chan assumes the role of senior vice‑chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, positioning him to shape the administration’s North‑Korea and reunification policies [15][17].

2004‑2006 – Lee serves as prime minister under President Roh Moo‑hyun, establishing his reputation as a “kingmaker” who later advises three progressive presidents and the current president [15][17].

Jan 23, 2026 – Lee collapses at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is rushed to a Ho Chi Minh City hospital, suffers two cardiac arrests, receives a stent and is placed on a mechanical ventilator; the PUAC announces it will dispatch a senior secretary to assist [25][26].

Jan 24, 2026 (morning) – Senior presidential adviser Cho Jung‑sik departs Incheon for Vietnam to assess Lee’s health after President Lee Jae Myung orders the mission, promising to brief the Blue House on any needed support [24].

Jan 24, 2026 (afternoon) – President Lee Jae Myung directs Cho and several Democratic Party lawmakers to travel to Ho Chi Minh City; Cho reports Lee remains unconscious but shows slight respiratory improvement, while lawmakers express hope for a “miracle” recovery [23].

Jan 25, 2026 – Lee dies of cardiac arrest at 2:48 p.m. local time in Ho Chi Minh City; President Lee Jae Myung posts a Facebook condolence calling him “a great mentor in the history of democracy” and extends sympathy to his family [16].

Jan 25, 2026 – Across the political spectrum, leaders—including former President Moon Jae‑in, DP chair Jung Chung‑rae, and PPK spokespersons—issue tributes, the Democratic Party declares a national mourning period, and media highlight Lee’s seven‑term lawmaking career and “kingmaker” legacy [15][17].

Jan 26, 2026 – The DP’s Supreme Council suspends a planned merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party, convenes at the National Assembly, and leader Jung Chung‑rae declares Lee a “symbol of South Korea’s democratization” and pledges to continue his peace agenda [12][14].

Jan 26, 2026 – Officials announce a five‑day “social funeral” for Lee, scheduled Jan 27‑31, combining a public “social” rite with an “institutional” ceremony to honor his societal contributions [13][11].

Jan 27, 2026 – Lee’s flag‑draped casket arrives on a Korean Air charter at Incheon International Airport early morning; Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok, Assembly Speaker Woo Won‑shik and other senior officials receive it and transport it to Seoul National University Hospital’s funeral hall [7][8][9][10].

Jan 27, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung visits the funeral hall, confers the Order of Mugunghwa—the nation’s highest civilian honor—lays a wreath, and is seen wiping away tears while offering personal condolences [4].

Jan 27, 2026 – Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok chairs the funeral committee, offers incense at the altar, and officially opens the five‑day mourning period with government honors, though the ceremony is not classified as a state funeral per the family’s wishes [3][5][6].

Jan 30, 2026 – President Lee thanks Vietnam for its “special cooperation and courtesies” in handling Lee’s medical treatment and coffin transfer during a phone call with Vietnamese leader To Lam, and he seeks expanded collaboration on nuclear power, high‑speed rail and urban development projects [2].

Jan 31, 2026 – A state funeral ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in the National Assembly conference hall, marking the start of the five‑day mourning period; President Lee, the first lady, and top officials attend, while Woo Won‑shik recalls being jailed with Lee in 1982, underscoring Lee’s lifelong role in South Korea’s democratic history [1].