Roh's death mourned nationwide amid political conflicts

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Tens of thousands of people stood in lines Monday at
mourning altars set up throughout the country for the late former President Roh
Moo-hyun Monday, while some government and ruling party officials were being
turned away by Roh's supporters.

President Lee Myung-bak is expected to pay his respects this week at Roh's home
in Bongha Village, in the country's southeast, but the former president's lawyer
said he was concerned about possible "unfortunate" incidents.
"A visit by the president must be greatly appreciated and proceed without any
mishaps, but it is true that things may get out of control, though we are
strongly asking people to refrain from blocking politicians," Moon Jae-in, a
longtime confidant of Roh and his former chief of staff, told reporters.
Some 200,000 people, from everyday citizens to ranking politicians, have paid
visits to the altar set up at Roh's residence in Bongha, about 450 kilometers
southeast of Seoul, since the former president plunged to his death in a village
mountain Saturday morning.
Roh's supporters, however, have blocked a number of government officials and
ruling party legislators from entering the village. Some threw raw eggs and
splashed water at those considered opponents of Roh, including Prime Minister Han
Seung-soo and National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o.
The prime minister paid his respects at an altar set up in Seoul Monday. He was
named a co-chair of a government committee to organize and oversee the funeral
for the former president, to be held Friday.
Roh, 62, died Saturday after he jumped from a cliff near his home. The police
later found what appeared to be a suicide note written on his personal computer.
Criticisms were immediately leveled against the Lee government that Roh's death
was caused by what some claim was a politically motivated investigation into an
alleged corruption scandal involving his wife and son.
Roh was summoned April 30 for questioning on whether he was aware that members of
his family had allegedly taken over $6 million from the head of a local shoe
manufacturer.
President Lee sent flowers for the second time to Roh's residence, after the
first bouquet was destroyed by Roh's supporters.
The government has set up 31 memorial altars in 16 major cities throughout the
country, including seven in Seoul.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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