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S. Korea Shocked by Death of Ex-Prez
By Sam Biddle
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Posted May 23, 09 2:40 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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South Koreans are reeling from news that former president Roh Moo-hyun has apparently killed himself, the BBC reports. Hundreds of mourners lined the streets as his body was transported to his hometown funeral. Crowds also gathered around Deoksu Palace in Seoul, presenting flowers and burning incense. "Don't be too sad," Roh wrote in a suicide note to his family. "Isn't life and death all part of nature?"
"This is a truly unbelievable, lamentable and deeply sad event," said current South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Roh’s predecessor, Kim Dae-jung, lamented that "allegations concerning his family members have been leaked to the press every day." Investigators had questioned Roh about $6 million in reported bribes. "He was probably unable to bear the pressure and tensions any longer," Dae-jung said.