Seoul: The body of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who passed away earlier this week during a visit to Vietnam, has returned to South Korea. The arrival precedes a five-day funeral service set to honor his contributions to the nation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, who was serving as the 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. His body was transported on a Korean Air flight, accompanied by family members and Democratic Party lawmakers who had traveled to Vietnam following his illness. The flight landed at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul.

Upon arrival, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is leading Lee's funeral committee, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and Democratic Party leader Rep. Jung Chung-rae, among others, were present to receive the casket. A brief memorial service with honor guards was held at the airport.

The funeral service for Lee will take place at Seoul National University Hospital over five days, concluding on Saturday. The service will be a blend of a "social funeral" and an "institutional funeral," a reflection of Lee's significant societal contributions, as stated by the PUAC.

Lee Hae-chan was a prominent figure in South Korean politics, having served as a seven-term lawmaker and as prime minister from 2004 to 2006 under the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He was appointed as executive vice chairperson of the PUAC in October of the previous year. Lee's political journey began through student activism and opposition activities during South Korea's military regimes, contributing to the pro-democracy movement.

Known for his close relationships with four progressive presidents-Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae Myung-Lee earned the nickname "kingmaker" for his pivotal role as a political ally and adviser.