Seoul: The funeral of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who passed away during a visit to Vietnam, is set to take place over five days this week in the format of a "social funeral," reflecting his societal contributions, officials announced on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee was serving as a senior vice president of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) at the time of his death. He experienced cardiac arrest and passed away at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. The funeral, organized by PUAC and the ruling Democratic Party, will occur from January 27 to 31.
Lee's remains are scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport early Tuesday before being transported to the designated funeral venue. The "social funeral" format is chosen to honor influential figures who have made notable contributions to society, extending the mourning period beyond the usual three-day service customary in South Korea.
The former prime minister had traveled to Vietnam last Thursday but collapsed on Friday as his flu-like symptoms worsened. Despite undergoing a stent insertion procedure at a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his condition.