hankyoreh

May 23. The picture shows him on a visit abroad during his reign.

Former President Roh Moo-hyun, 63 years old, threw himself off of a mountain near his hometown of Bongwha village located in the South Gyeongsang Province during the early morning of May 23. The former President was being investigated by prosecutors. This unprecedented incident has seized the whole country with sorrow and shock.

Former President Roh was threw himself off of “Owl Rock,” located on a mountain near his home at 6:40 a.m., and immediately afterwards was carried to Busan University Hospital in Yansan-city located in the South Gyeongsang Province. In spite of receiving emergency treatment, Roh was declared dead at 9:30 a.m.

The South Gyeongsang Province Policy Agency said, “Former President Roh departed his home with his bodyguard at 5:45 a.m. and threw himself from ”Owl Rock“ while hiking in the mountains.”

Paek Seung-wan, the president of Busan University Hospital said, “When he arrived at the hospital, there was no sign of breathing or a heartbeat, we found an 11 cm-long skull fracture.” He added, “We engaged in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, however, we stopped at 9:30 a.m.” He said the skull fracture was cited as the primary cause of death.

Former president Roh left a brief note consisting of fourteen clauses in his computer before he left home. According to Kim Kyung-su, Roh’s close aide, the former president demonstrated remorse to close acquaintances, “I am indebted to so many people. Many people have suffered due to me.” Roh also said, “The pains I have received are also countless” in reference to the pressure and suffering caused by prosecutors’ investigations.

Roh added, “Life and death are a part of nature. Cremate me and leave only a single tombstone near my home.” He had returned to live in his hometown of Bongwha Village since his term‘s conclusion in February of last year.

Former President Roh had been summoned by prosecutors on April 30 for questioning based on allegations that he had received bribes from Park Yeon-cha, the Chairman of Taekwang Co. The police and prosecutors have installed an investigative headquarters office in South Gyeongsang’s Police Agency and are questioning bodyguards who accompanied the former president. The body of the former president Roh was placed in his hometown of Bongwha Village at 6:30 p.m. May 23. The funeral services will be decided among family members.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]