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South Korea Mourns Former PM Lee Hae-chan, Democracy Icon

South Korea held a state funeral for former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who died of cardiac arrest in Vietnam at age 73. Top dignitaries, including President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, attended the ceremony at the National Assembly. Speakers eulogized Lee as a pivotal figure in the nation's democratic struggle, having endured imprisonment and torture under authoritarian rule. The former prime minister, who served from 2004 to 2006, will be cremated and his ashes enshrined in Sejong City.

Key Points: South Korea Holds Funeral for Ex-PM Lee Hae-chan

  • Funeral held at National Assembly
  • Attended by President and top officials
  • Hailed as democracy icon
  • Served as PM from 2004-2006
  • Body to be cremated and enshrined
2 min read

South Korea bids farewell to ex-PM Lee Hae-chan

South Korean dignitaries, including President Lee Jae Myung, attend the state funeral for former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, a revered democracy activist.

"He defended democracy through torture and imprisonment - Prime Minister Kim Min-seok"

Seoul, Jan 31

The funeral ceremony for former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan was held on Saturday with the attendance of top dignitaries, including President Lee Jae Myung.

The late Lee died Sunday aged 73 while on a business trip to Vietnam after suffering cardiac arrest. His body was flown home Tuesday, beginning a five-day funeral period that saw large numbers of mourners paying tribute at his memorial altar at Seoul National University Hospital in the capital.

The funeral ceremony began at 9 a.m. at a conference hall on the National Assembly compound, Yonhap news agency reported.

President Lee, first lady Kim Hea Kyung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok sat in the front row with the bereaved family.

Others in attendance included ruling Democratic Party (DP) leader Jung Chung-rai, DP floor leader Han Byung-do, Deputy Assembly Speaker Joo Ho-young, and the leaders of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party and The Progressive Party.

Cho Jung-sik, special adviser to the president for political affairs, gave remarks in his capacity as head of the funeral committee, describing the former prime minister as "a great man of democracy" and "a politician representing an era."

Prime Minister Kim gave a eulogy, saying both democracy and the nation are 'indebted' to the deceased.

"He defended democracy through torture and imprisonment and paved the way for his juniors to enter politics by demonstrating the competence of democratic forces," he said.

Fighting back tears, he described the former prime minister as a 'role model' to whom he still had 'lots to ask.'

Woo also paid tribute to the late Lee by recalling the time they were jailed together in 1982 for taking part in pro-democracy protests against the authoritarian regime.

"The name Lee Hae-chan was itself the history of the Republic of Korea's democracy," he said.

Lee was a towering figure in South Korea's struggle for democracy who endured torture and imprisonment before serving seven terms as a lawmaker and advising multiple liberal presidents, including Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae Myung.

From 2004 to 2006, he served as prime minister under Roh.

At the time of his death, he was executive vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.

Lee's body will be cremated, and the ashes will be placed at an enshrinement hall in the central city of Sejong.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The respect shown by the entire political spectrum is remarkable. In our country, we often see such unity only in times of national crisis, not always in honoring our own departed leaders. A lesson in political dignity.
P
Priya S
Endured torture and imprisonment for his beliefs... what a life. Makes you think about the value of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. His legacy is a powerful reminder.
V
Vikram M
While we honor his struggle, it's also a moment to reflect. South Korea's journey from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy is impressive. India's path was different, but the goal of a just, democratic society is the same. We can learn from each other's experiences.
R
Rohit P
Died while on duty abroad. That's commitment. 73 is no age these days. A life well-lived in service of the nation. Om Shanti.
K
Kavya N
The article mentions he was advising on peaceful unification. That's a noble, difficult goal. We understand complex neighborly relations here in South Asia. Hope his work inspires continued efforts for peace on the Korean peninsula.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: The coverage is very ceremonial. I wish it told us more about his specific policies or what he did as PM from

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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