South Korea held a formal state funeral for former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan on Saturday. The ceremony honored a towering figure in the nation’s modern political legacy. Top dignitaries, including President Lee Jae Myung, attended the event. The funeral began at nine in the morning at the National Assembly. This ceremony concluded a five-day public mourning period.
The former prime minister died suddenly last Sunday in Vietnam. He suffered a cardiac arrest while on an official business trip. Authorities repatriated his body to South Korea on Tuesday. Large crowds then paid tribute at a Seoul hospital memorial altar. This widespread mourning reflected his significant political legacy.
President Lee and the first lady sat in the ceremony’s front row. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik also joined the bereaved family. Furthermore, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok attended the solemn gathering. Leaders from multiple political parties paid their respects as well. The assembly hall hosted a unified display of national remembrance.
Cho Jung-sik, a presidential special adviser, delivered the funeral committee remarks. He described the late leader as a great man of democracy. He also called him a politician who truly represented an era. Prime Minister Kim then gave a deeply emotional eulogy for his predecessor. He stated that both the nation and democracy were indebted to him.
The prime minister highlighted Lee’s endurance of torture and imprisonment. He noted Lee paved the way for younger democratic forces in politics. Speaker Woo shared personal memories of their shared imprisonment in 1982. Authorities jailed them together for protesting an authoritarian regime. Woo asserted that Lee’s name was synonymous with democratic history.
Lee Hae-chan’s career spanned seven terms as a national lawmaker. He served as prime minister from 2004 to 2006 under President Roh. Additionally, he advised several liberal presidents over many decades. At his death, he was serving as a vice chairperson of a unification advisory council. His extensive political legacy bridges the nation’s democratic struggle and governance.
The ceremony underscored the cohesive power of shared democratic history. It brought together political rivals in a moment of collective reflection. The event also highlighted the personal sacrifices behind institutional progress. Observers noted the respectful bipartisan attendance as particularly significant. Such unity is rare in the country’s often fractured political landscape.
Following the ceremony, officials will cremate Lee’s body according to custom. His family will then place his ashes in an enshrinement hall in Sejong City. This final resting place is a planned administrative capital. The location symbolizes his lasting connection to national public service. His political legacy will now reside there permanently.
Future reflections will likely focus on his contributions to democratic consolidation. His life story serves as a direct link to a transformative period. Scholars may revisit his policy work and political strategies. The current generation of leaders invoked his example for guidance. His enduring political legacy will continue to influence national discourse.
In conclusion, the funeral served as a powerful national moment. It commemorated a life dedicated to democratic principles and public service. The gathering of top leaders demonstrated respect transcending partisan lines. Lee Hae-chan’s journey from prisoner to prime minister inspires many. His story remains a foundational part of the country’s modern political identity.
