Former President Roh Dies

Seoul, The Korea Times

Roh Moo-hyun By Kim Rahn Staff Reporter Former President Roh Moo-hyun died Saturday morning, police confirmed. Roh died of head injuries after falling into a ravine while climbing a mountain near his home in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, around 6:50 a.m. Police suspect that he killed himself by jumping off the mountaintop, rather than accidentally missing his step and falling to death. After falling, Roh was immediately sent to a nearby small hospital, but he was unconscious and was in serious condition with multi-fracture and serious wounds in head, according to the hospital sources. He was again transferred to the bigger Pusan National University Hospital. But he failed to recover and died at 8:30 a.m., police confirmed. It is said that Roh left a written will, but police have not confirmed it yet. Roh did not tell his hiking plan to his family and aides. Roh has been under investigation of the alleged bribery involving his family members and long-time supporter, shoemaking firm Taekwang's CEO Park Yeon-cha. His wife, Kwon Yang-sook, was scheduled to face re-summons as early as this weekend. The prosecution was planning to indict him for bribery next week. A human rights lawyer, Roh took office in 2003 vowing to fight corruption. Despite high initial hopes, Roh's administration quickly became dogged by allegations of incompetence, while Roh's frequent indulgence in personal clashes with his opponents and critics eroded public support. rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr

  Source : The Korea Times