Seoul: The body of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who passed away earlier this week during a visit to Vietnam, returned home on Tuesday, marking the commencement of a five-day funeral. Lee, an influential figure in South Korean politics, was serving as a senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) at the time of his death.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee died at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday after experiencing cardiac arrest. A Korean Air flight brought Lee's body back to South Korea, accompanied by bereaved family members and a delegation of lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party. The flight landed at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, earlier in the day.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is leading Lee's funeral committee, was present at the airport to receive the casket, which was draped in the national flag, symbolizing Lee's significant service to the nation. The funeral will be conducted in both a "social funeral" and an "institutional funeral" format, reflecting Lee's substantial contributions to society. This decision was made in accordance with the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.