South Korean newspapers yesterday called on politicians to reflect on their own conduct in the wake of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun’s decision to commit suicide rather than face corruption allegations.
“It’s an extraordinary thing ... for a former president to take his own life. Politicians must contemplate deeply over what brought about this death and pool their wisdom to cure the problems,” the JoongAng Ilbo said.
Roh, who held office from 2003 until last year, committed suicide last Saturday.
Chosun Daily, South Korea’s largest newspaper, said it had become almost routine for South Korean presidents, their relatives and associates to be sent to prison for corruption once they left office.
Roh was the third former South Korean president to be questioned on corruption charges after leaving office.
He denied the allegations, which centered on payments to members of his family, and had not been charged.
The independent Kyunghyang Daily, however, praised Roh for his dedication to human rights, democracy and reform.
The English-language Korea Times said Roh’s death should serve as a “catalyst” for reform.
Also See: What the Roh case can teach us
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