Funeral for former President Roh to be held at Seoul's ancient palace

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government confirmed Tuesday that the
funeral of former President Roh Moo-hyun will be held at Gyeongbok Palace in
central Seoul after his seven-day mourning period ends this week.

The funeral of Roh, who leapt to death Saturday at a mountainside rock in his
regional hometown, will be held Friday morning at the front yard of Seoul's
landmark ancient palace, open to the public, the home affairs ministry said.
Roh, 62, ended his own life amid a corruption scandal that had sent several of
his relatives and confidants to jail.
Serving as president of South Korea from 2003 to 2008, Roh had taken pride in his
image as a "clean politician," largely tarnished after his family faced
questioning over US$6 million allegedly given to them during Roh's presidency by
a businessman. Prosecutors terminated the investigation shortly after the death
of Roh, the third former president to be summoned and questioned for alleged
corruption.
An average of 60,000 South Koreans have paid tribute daily at the mourning sites
nationwide, including one in Roh's southeastern hometown Bongha Village, some 450
kilometers southeast of Seoul, since Saturday.
Gyeongbok Palace, the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), is one of
South Korea's landmark historical sites, located near the presidential office.
After the public "people's funeral," Roh's body will be laid to rest near his
residence in Bongha Village as wished by the late president, the government said.

hayney@yna.co.kr
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