President Lee Dispatches Aide to Vietnam for Ailing Political Rival

When Lee Hae-chan collapsed from a heart attack in Ho Chi Minh City, the last person many expected to respond first was President Lee Jae-myung. Yet within hours of receiving news that his former party rival's condition had deteriorated, the president dispatched his top political aide to Vietnam.

A Crisis Transcending Politics

Cho Jung-sik, the president's special adviser for political affairs, arrived in Vietnam on Saturday afternoon and headed straight to the hospital where the 77-year-old former prime minister remains in critical condition. The swift response came after President Lee received reports late Friday that Lee Hae-chan's health had taken a severe turn for the worse.

Lee Hae-chan, currently serving as senior vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, had been on an official trip to Vietnam when he suffered breathing difficulties and collapsed. Despite undergoing a stent insertion procedure, he remains unconscious and dependent on mechanical breathing assistance.

According to the advisory council, while Lee's breathing and complexion have somewhat stabilized compared to the previous day, he has yet to regain consciousness. Vietnamese authorities, including the prime minister's office, are reportedly providing full cooperation with South Korean officials.

When Rivals Show Humanity

Separately, several Democratic Party lawmakers also flew to Ho Chi Minh City to visit their former colleague. Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon told reporters that Lee Hae-chan "has carried out great and significant things for the Republic of Korea's democratization, prosperity and people's life," expressing hope for "a miraculous recovery."

The political dynamics make this response particularly noteworthy. While both men belong to the Democratic Party, President Lee Jae-myung and Lee Hae-chan have often found themselves on different sides of intra-party debates. During Lee Hae-chan's tenure as party leader, tensions with then-Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung were well-documented, reflecting broader factional divides within the party.

Beyond Medical Emergency

This incident carries significance beyond a medical crisis. Lee Hae-chan's visit to Vietnam in his capacity as senior vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council underscores the symbolic importance of the trip. Vietnam, having experienced division and achieved reunification, serves as a crucial case study for Korean unification policy.

The president's immediate response can be read through multiple lenses. On one hand, it represents genuine humanitarian concern transcending political differences. On the other, it demonstrates the kind of inclusive leadership style that can resonate with voters who are often weary of political feuding.

The dispatch of a senior presidential aide also reflects the gravity South Korea places on protecting its officials abroad, regardless of their current political standing. It sends a message about institutional continuity and respect for public service.