By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Lalien Guillen from the Philippines
Photos = Lalien Guillen

"Why did he end his own life," I asked with a heavy heart.

"He ended his life to save the people close to him," replied my husband.

This was a late-night conversation we had seven years ago when I first learned about former President Roh Moo-hyun.



Roh was the 16th president of the Republic of Korea, serving from 2003-08. He had a colorful background as a public figure that was full of interesting stories of his humble beginnings, uneasy challenges, inspirational victories and heart-rending death.

Born to a low-income family in his hometown of Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Roh was a high school graduate who never attended college. Through perseverance and diligence, however, he passed the law bar, became a lawyer and was later appointed a judge in Daejeon. Soon afterwards, he left the bench to become a human rights lawyer.

He could have lived a comfortable life as a lawyer but chose to tread the gruesome path of politics to make a difference in the world and end the country’s rampant regionalism. Few foreigners know this, but a huge political rivalry used to exist between the Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces, so big that residents of both regions would discriminate against each other. Roh dedicated himself to closing the gap between both areas and restoring government power back to the people in his pursuit of "true democracy."

Roh endured many challenges on his way to presidency, and his unpopular opinions on things earned him the nickname "Fool Roh Moo-hyun." Nonetheless, he never gave up because of the people who believed in him. Roh was the first politician to have his own fan club, which was called “Nosamo,” whose literal meaning is "a gathering of people who love Roh Moo-hyun." The group's members were ordinary citizens from all walks of life who passionately supported his presidential campaign through activities including a fundraising event.


Roh achieved perhaps his greatest victory when he was elected the 16th president of his country on Feb. 25, 2003. Yet he faced even more challenges after becoming the chief executive. He gained little support from the National Assembly, where the majority of lawmakers were with the main opposition. Though his political foes attempted to impeach him the following year, the general public vehemently opposed it and held a series of rallies in protest. The impeachment process proceeded, but the Constitutional Court ultimately voted against it.

Despite enjoying little political support, Roh continued to give his best effort toward serving the country with and for the people.

"The final safeguard of democracy is the organized power of awakened citizens."
–Roh Moo-hyun, June 16, 2007

After his term ended, Roh returned to his peaceful hometown of Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Yet his political enemies would not let him rest, falsely accusing him of crimes and attacking those close to him. This eventually led to tragedy on the morning of May 23, 2009, when Roh chose to end his life by jumping off a nearby cliff. Several minutes before his suicide, he left a note on his computer saying the following:

"(I am) indebted to too many people.
Many have suffered too much because of me.
The pain that will come is unfathomable.
The rest of (my) life would only burden others.
(I) cannot do anything due to bad health.
(I) cannot read nor write.

Do not grieve too much.
Aren't life and death part of nature?
Do not feel sorry.
Do not blame anyone.
It is fate.

Cremate (me).
And just leave a very small stone slab near home.
(I) have thought (about it) for a long time."

I am tearing up again as I write this. To me, the former president was an inspirational hero, an upright man who had a deep and pure love of his country. Nevertheless, his political enemies pushed him into darkness.

May 23 this year marked the tenth anniversary of his death. Though a decade has passed, the pain of his death remains fresh among many of his supporters, including myself. In 2009, we lost a great and honorable man but his words of wisdom will always be remembered. Rest in eternal peace, President Roh Moo-hyun, and thank you for everything.


wisdom117@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.