Former South Korean President Roh commits suicide

Former South Korean President and human rights lawyer Roh Moo Hyun  jumped off a mountain to his death Saturday, amidst allegations of bribery. Roh admitted last month that his wife took money from a businessman accused of insider trading and tax evasion to pay family debt, but denied allegations that he took bribes. Known as “Mr. Clean”, Roh won the 2002 elections based on a platform to fight corruption and improve relations with North Korea. In his suicide note he apologized for the pain he had caused and said, “My remaining life could only become a greater burden for others.” Current president Lee Myung-bak said, “This is a truly unbelievable, lamentable and deeply sad event.” Some see the corruption investigation against Roh as politically motivated, and analysts say his death might garner support for his more liberal policies, fundamentally opposite to Lee’s conservative ones. More than 13,000 mourners have made pilgrimage to Roh’s hometown, Gimhae, over the weekend.

A president remembered, The Korea Herald

South Korean president Roh jumps to death amid bribery probe, Bloomberg

S Korea stunned by Roh’s suicide, BBC

SKoreans mourn death, pay respects to ex-president,  Associated Press