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Former S. Korean President Roh dies in apparent suicide
Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has died while hiking in mountains near his home. His death has shocked the country. Local media are speculating that this could be a suicide, as Roh Moo-hyun was involved in a corruption scandal.
The 62-year-old Roh fell to his death just 200 meters from his home. A body guard was with him.
His former aide says Roh appeared to act deliberately.
Moon Jae-In, Roh Moo-Hyun's Lawyer & Former Aide, said, "Former President Roh left his house at 5:45 a.m.. While hiking on the mountain, he appears to have jumped off a rock at around 6:40 a.m."
Roh was taken to a hospital in the nearby port city of Busan where he soon died from head injuries.
Paek Seung-Wan, Chief Busan Nat'l University Hospital, said, "Doctors in this hospital attempted CPR but suspended it at 8:30 am as he failed to recover."
Local media reports are calling it suicide.
Roh's former aide also confirmed Roh left a note for his family.
In the note Roh said life was "difficult" and apologized for making "too many people suffer".
His death has shocked South Koreans, including the current President Lee Myung-bak.
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Roh's note to his family:
I have made too many people suffer.
Due to poor health, I can't read books, nor can I write.
Don't be too sad. Don't blame anybody.
Please cremate me. Please leave a small tombstone near home.
Lee Dong-Kwan, Spokesman, South Korean Presidential Office, said, "President Lee Myung-bak says it is truly unbelievable. He says it is a regretful and tragic matter, and has expressed his condolences."
The public are also grieving.
Park Kyung-Hee, Resident, said, "I am extremely sad. I can't imagine how much pain he had to suffer. I think that death was the best choice for him so that those close to him would not have to suffer."
Song Hyun-Sook, Resident, said, "It is very horrible that he died. I do not want to believe it. He is not going to come back alive, I am heartbroken."
Roh was under heavy pressure in recent weeks.
He and his family were under investigation in connection with a bribery scandal. The ex-president was struggling to clear his name.
The Justice Minister says the investigation on Roh and his family will be put to an end.
