Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan on Tuesday, posthumously awarding South Korea's highest civilian decoration in recognition of his lifelong dedication to democracy and public service. President Lee visited the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul to confer the Order of Mugunghwa on the late prime minister.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Order of Mugunghwa is the nation's top civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development. After laying a wreath at the memorial altar, President Lee greeted and consoled the bereaved family, at times wiping away tears.

Lee Hae-chan, who passed away on Sunday while visiting Vietnam, was a prominent figure in South Korea's pro-democracy movement, having endured torture and imprisonment during authoritarian regimes. He later served as a seven-term lawmaker and advised multiple liberal presidents. In October, he was appointed senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council to support the Lee administration's policies on North Korea and inter-Korean relations.

Following the news of his death, President Lee expressed deep condolences and praised the late former prime minister's commitment to democracy. A funeral committee, led by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and comprising representatives from various fields, arranged Lee's funeral in consideration of his status as a public figure and his contributions to the country. The five-day funeral will continue through Saturday.