Lee Sang-min, a prominent figure in South Korean politics and a five-term lawmaker, died at the age of 67 on October 15, 2025, in the central city of Daejeon. His passing marks the end of a career characterized by sharp political commentary, party realignments, and a steadfast commitment to his constituents. The news, confirmed by both his family and party officials, has sent ripples through the political landscape, especially within the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and the city of Daejeon, where Lee most recently served as the chairman of the party’s local chapter.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Sang-min was the chief of the Daejeon Metropolitan Chapter of the PPP at the time of his death. His office released a photo of the former lawmaker on the same day, underscoring the immediacy and gravity of the loss. Lee’s death was sudden: he began showing symptoms of paralysis at his apartment in Daejeon at 9:33 a.m., as reported by his family and rescue service officials. When 119 rescue workers arrived, they found Lee in a state of cardiac arrest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Lee’s death comes after a career spanning decades, defined by both achievement and controversy. He was renowned for his incisive political commentary, which often earned him both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum. His ability to articulate complex issues in clear, sometimes biting terms made him a fixture in South Korean political discourse. Party officials and commentators alike have noted that Lee’s outspokenness was matched only by his dedication to public service.
The political journey of Lee Sang-min was marked by significant shifts. As reported by The Korea Times, Lee left the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) in December 2023, a move that surprised many in the political establishment. Only a month later, in January 2024, he joined the main opposition People Power Party, signaling a dramatic change in his political allegiance. This switch was not without controversy, as it highlighted the ongoing fluidity and factionalism within South Korean politics. Lee’s decision to leave the DPK, where he had built much of his career, was interpreted by some as a principled stand and by others as a pragmatic calculation.
Lee’s ambitions did not wane after the party switch. In April 2024, he ran for a seat in the National Assembly during the general election. Despite his experience and name recognition, Lee was unsuccessful in his bid. However, this setback did not diminish his influence within the PPP. The following month, in May 2024, he was elected to lead the party’s Daejeon chapter. This position allowed Lee to continue shaping the party’s strategy and messaging in one of South Korea’s key regional centers.
Throughout his career, Lee was known for his resilience in the face of adversity. According to party officials cited by The Korea Times, Lee had been battling diabetes, a chronic illness that can lead to serious complications if not carefully managed. While it is not yet clear whether his health condition directly contributed to his sudden death, those close to him acknowledged that he had faced significant health challenges in recent years. The combination of a demanding political life and ongoing health issues is a familiar story for many public figures, but Lee’s determination to remain active in politics until the end was evident to all who knew him.
Lee’s passing leaves a void in both the local and national political arenas. As chief of the PPP’s Daejeon chapter, he played a crucial role in mobilizing support, shaping policy debates, and representing the interests of his region. His leadership was particularly significant in the context of South Korea’s highly competitive and often polarized political environment. Daejeon, a city known for its scientific research and technological innovation, has long been a battleground for political influence, and Lee’s stewardship of the PPP’s local chapter was seen as a key asset for the party.
Reactions to Lee’s death have come from across the political spectrum. While official statements from the PPP have emphasized his dedication and leadership, former colleagues in the DPK have also acknowledged his contributions to South Korean public life. The sense of loss is palpable among those who worked closely with him, as well as among ordinary citizens who followed his career. Lee’s reputation for speaking his mind, even when it was unpopular, earned him a loyal following among voters who valued candor and conviction in their representatives.
The circumstances of Lee’s death have also drawn attention to the pressures faced by South Korea’s political elite. The demands of public office, combined with the constant scrutiny of the media and the public, can take a toll on even the most seasoned politicians. Lee’s struggle with diabetes is a reminder of the human costs that often accompany a life in politics. As South Korea continues to grapple with issues of political reform, generational change, and public trust, the passing of figures like Lee Sang-min serves as a moment for reflection on both the achievements and the challenges of democratic governance.
Looking back on Lee’s career, it is clear that his impact extended beyond the confines of party politics. His willingness to change parties, run for office after setbacks, and speak out on contentious issues reflected a broader commitment to public service. Whether one agreed with his positions or not, Lee’s presence in the National Assembly and in regional politics was impossible to ignore. His legacy will likely be debated for years to come, as both supporters and critics assess his role in shaping the direction of South Korean politics.
As the People Power Party and the city of Daejeon mourn the loss of a veteran lawmaker, the political world moves forward, but not without pausing to remember a figure whose life was defined by both struggle and service. Lee Sang-min’s story is a testament to the complexities of political life in modern South Korea—a life marked by ambition, resilience, and, ultimately, an enduring commitment to the people he served.