Politicians and government officials expressed sorrow over the passing of former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, whose body was brought back from Vietnam where he passed away. A memorial altar with Lee’s portrait was set up at a funeral home in Seoul.
President Lee Jae Myung, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, former President Moon Jae-in, and opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok sent condolence wreaths. Lee’s body arrived at a Seoul hospital after being repatriated from Vietnam, where he died due to cardiac arrest.
Lee, who was the executive vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, will have a five-day funeral service with government honors. Prime Minister Kim and other officials were present to receive the casket. Known for his contributions to democracy, Lee was a key figure in South Korea’s political landscape.
Former President Moon and his wife paid respects at the funeral hall. Lee, a former seven-term lawmaker, served as Prime Minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration and was deeply involved in the pro-democracy movement in South Korea. His close ties with several former Presidents earned him the nickname “kingmaker.”
