Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Dies at 92

The unification ministry on May 6, 2026 expressed condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo, who passed away the previous day at age 92. In a statement released that day, the ministry praised Lee's contributions to inter-Korean reconciliation and unification efforts. It highlighted how his work continued to shape approaches to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The unification ministry stated that Lee devoted himself to the development of South Korea's foreign, security and unification policies during his public service career. "The principled approach and balanced insight he showed for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the development of inter-Korean relations continue to resonate today," the released statement said.

Yonhap reported the full text of the ministry's remarks.

A portrait of former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo was displayed at a funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Seoul on May 5, 2026, the same day he died. Lee entered public service under the Roh Tae-woo administration in 1988 as unification minister. He later served as a presidential aide and ambassador to Britain.

During the Kim Young-sam administration, Lee Hong-koo was appointed South Korea's 28th prime minister in 1994. He also served as ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2000. In that role he helped support diplomatic efforts in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

Lee Hong-koo was a scholar-turned-politician who played key roles in both academia and government. His career bridged scholarly analysis and high-level policymaking across multiple administrations. The unification ministry's statement on May 6 underscored how those experiences informed his approach to inter-Korean relations.

The ministry's expression of condolences came one day after Lee's death on May 5, 2026. Officials framed his passing as a moment to recall his steady influence on South Korea's unification policy. Yonhap reported that the statement drew direct connections between Lee's record and current efforts toward reconciliation.