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South Korea Mourns Former PM Lee Hae-chan, Political 'Kingmaker'

The body of former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has been repatriated from Vietnam to Seoul, where a five-day funeral with government honors has begun. Senior officials, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, paid their respects at the funeral home. Lee, a seven-term lawmaker and former PM under President Roh Moo-hyun, was a veteran pro-democracy activist. He was renowned as a political "kingmaker" for his close ties to several liberal presidents.

Key Points: South Korea Pays Respects to Late Former PM Lee Hae-chan

  • Body repatriated from Vietnam
  • Five-day funeral with government honors
  • Served as PM from 2004-2006
  • Veteran pro-democracy activist
  • Known as a political 'kingmaker'
2 min read

South Korea: Politicians, govt officials pay respects to late ex-PM Lee Hae-chan

Politicians and officials mourn former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan as his body returns to Seoul. A five-day funeral with government honors begins.

"Lee was known for his close ties with three former liberal presidents... earning him the nickname 'kingmaker' - Yonhap report"

Seoul, Jan 27

Politicians and government officials of South Korea on Tuesday mourned the death of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan following his body's return from Vietnam, where he died earlier this week.

The casket containing Lee's body arrived at a funeral home at Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul, hours after its repatriation aboard a Korean Air flight at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.

A Korean Air flight carrying Lee's body, as well as bereaved family members and a group of ruling Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers who had gone to Vietnam after he fell ill, arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, earlier in the day.

Lee, who was serving as executive vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), died at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday after suffering cardiac arrest.

The funeral service will be held for five days through Saturday with government honors but not as a state funeral, reflecting his family's wishes and his contributions to society.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who heads Lee's funeral committee, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and other senior government officials as well as politicians close to Lee were present at the funeral home to receive the casket, Yonhap news agency reported.

A former seven-term lawmaker, Lee served as prime minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2004 to 2006. He was appointed as executive vice chairperson of the PUAC in October last year.

He took part in the pro-democracy movement during South Korea's military regimes, entering politics through student activism and opposition activities.

Lee was known for his close ties with three former liberal presidents -- Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in -- and President Lee Jae Myung -- earning him the nickname 'kingmaker' for his role as a political ally and adviser.

A brief memorial service took place at the airport before the casket's arrival at the funeral home, with honor guards transporting it to a hearse.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Reading about his life, it's clear he was a pivotal figure in South Korea's political landscape. The 'kingmaker' nickname says it all. Respect for the family's wishes regarding the funeral arrangements.
P
Priya S
So sad to hear he passed away abroad. Must be very difficult for the family. The honor guards and the repatriation process show how much he was respected. Heartfelt condolences.
V
Vikram M
A seven-term lawmaker and former PM... that's a legacy. It's interesting to see the political unity in mourning, despite differences. We could learn a thing or two about respecting elders and leaders from this.
R
Rohit P
While it's right to honor his contributions, I hope the media coverage also focuses on his policies and work, not just the ceremonial aspects. A balanced view of his tenure would be more educational.
M
Michael C
Cardiac arrest is so sudden. A reminder for all of us, especially public figures with stressful lives, to take care of our health. A dignified farewell for a dedicated public servant.

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