Seoul, Jan 27 (NationPress) On Tuesday, politicians and government officials gathered to express their condolences for the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, whose remains were returned from Vietnam, where he passed away earlier this week.

A memorial altar featuring Lee's portrait was established at a funeral home located within Seoul National University Hospital in the heart of the city.

Condolence wreaths were sent by President Lee Jae Myung, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, former President Moon Jae-in, and opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The casket containing Lee's body was brought to the funeral home earlier in the day, following its repatriation on a Korean Air flight at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul.

Lee, who was the executive vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), passed away on Sunday in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after experiencing cardiac arrest.

The funeral service will take place over five days until Saturday, with government honors, yet it will not be a state funeral, in accordance with his family's wishes and his contributions to society.

Prime Minister Kim, who is leading Lee's funeral committee, along with Woo and other senior officials, were present to receive the casket.

“Lee was a living testament to South Korea's democracy and made substantial contributions to establishing successive democratic governments,” said Woo, referring to him as “a remarkable teacher of our time.”

Later on Tuesday, former President Moon and his wife visited the funeral hall, spending around 50 minutes to extend their condolences to Lee's family and comfort those in mourning.

A former seven-term lawmaker, Lee served as Prime Minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2004 to 2006. He took on the role of executive vice chairperson of the PUAC in October last year.

His political career began through student activism and opposition activities during South Korea's military regimes, where he participated in the pro-democracy movement.

Lee was well-known for his close relationships with three former liberal Presidents - Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in - as well as with President Lee Jae Myung, earning him the moniker “kingmaker” due to his influential role as a political ally and advisor.

A brief memorial service occurred at the airport prior to the casket's arrival at the funeral home, where honor guards facilitated the transport to a hearse.