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Roh Moo-hyun

Former S. Korean President dies in suspected suicide

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Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyunFormer South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun died after falling from a mountainside on Saturday morning.

Roh left a suicide note on his computer that he was going through hard times, apparently referring to the recent bribery probe surrounding him and his family, more on YonhapNews.

Roh, 62, was South Korea’s President in 2003-2008. He moved to Bongha Village, near his birthplace, after leaving the office in March 2008.

Reports have suggested that investigation on Roh and his family is likely to be ended following his death; and it might be what Roh was hoping for.

His death still sounds fishy though… leaving a suicide note on PC instead of a hand written one? And amusingly discovered by his aides in hours? Who would bother to check his PC shortly after his death? It’s just a bit too convenient imo.

Former Korean president, farmer, tourist attraction

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Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun cycling with grandchildrenFormer S.Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has become talk of the town with his post retirement lifestyle.

His official website has became a hit with throngs of daily visitors reading his latest updates, and thousands of travellers are visiting his residing village to catch a glimpse of the former president.

Roh moved back to Bongha Village, near his birthplace, after retiring from the office in February 2008. Bongha is a small village with about 120 residents, around five hours of driving distance from capital city Seoul.

Roh is enjoying his farmer-like lifestyle and engaged in some environmental projects after his retirement. Although not really popular during his presidential years, his down-to-earth lifestyle has won the heart of some of his former critics.

Most (if not all) of the former Korean Presidents are living in heavily guarded houses in Seoul which are isolated from public access.

[Update 2009] Roh committed suicide, RIP.