Seoul: The funeral of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who passed away during a visit to Vietnam, will extend over five days this week, reflecting his significant societal contributions, officials announced on Monday. Lee, at the time serving as a senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), succumbed to cardiac arrest at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the funeral will be organized by PUAC and the ruling Democratic Party and is set to take place from January 27 to 31. Officials from PUAC have confirmed these arrangements. Lee's body is anticipated to arrive at Incheon International Airport by early Tuesday before it is moved to the designated funeral venue.

The ceremony will follow the format of a "social funeral," which is customary for honoring influential individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to society. This format typically extends beyond the standard three-day funeral period observed in South Korea.

Lee had traveled to the Vietnamese city on Thursday but experienced a collapse on Friday as he prepared to return home, with his condition worsening due to flu-like symptoms. He was admitted to a local hospital where he underwent a stent insertion procedure but unfortunately passed away thereafter.

On Monday, Lee's body was moved to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by Vietnamese police escorts. Officials indicated that the Vietnamese foreign ministry, showing respect for Lee, assisted in expediting the repatriation process by coordinating with the country's quarantine and customs authorities. Normally, this process requires at least three days, involving several necessary documents such as the local death certificate and the embalming certificate.

The Korean Air flight assigned to transport Lee's body, secured in a specialized container, is expected to depart Vietnam at 11:50 p.m. on Monday.