Roh Moo-hyun
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| Roh Moo-hyun | |
|---|---|
| Name | Roh Moo-hyun |
| Order | 9th |
| Office | President of South Korea |
| Term start | 25 February 2003 |
| Term end | 24 February 2008 |
| Predecessor | Kim Dae-jung |
| Successor | Lee Myung-bak |
| Birth date | 1 September 1946 |
| Birth place | Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Korea under Japanese rule |
| Death date | 23 May 2009 (aged 62) |
| Death place | Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Korea |
| Party | Democratic (2007–2009), Uri (2003–2007), Millennium Democratic (1997–2003), New Korea Democratic (1987–1990) |
| Spouse | Kwon Yang-sook |
| Alma mater | Korea University (LL.B.) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
Roh Moo-hyun was the ninth President of South Korea, serving from 2003 to 2008. A former human rights lawyer with no political pedigree, his election represented a generational shift in South Korean politics. His presidency was defined by efforts to foster a more equitable society, pursue engagement with North Korea, and reform powerful institutions like the National Intelligence Service and the prosecution.
Early life and education
Born in 1946 in Gimhae during the Japanese colonial period, he grew up in relative poverty. Despite financial hardship, he passed the Korean Bar Examination in 1975 without a formal university law degree, later earning a Bachelor of Laws from Korea University. He established a successful legal practice in Busan, focusing on labor and human rights cases, which brought him into contact with activists like Park Won-soon and shaped his progressive worldview.
Political career
Roh entered politics following the June Democratic Struggle of 1987, winning a seat in the National Assembly in 1988 as a member of the New Korea Democratic Party. He gained national prominence for his aggressive questioning of military officials during parliamentary hearings into the Gwangju Uprising. After serving as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, he was elected president in 2002, defeating Lee Hoi-chang with strong support from the younger generation mobilized by online communities.
Presidency
His administration, dubbed the "Participatory Government," pursued a "Policy of Peace and Prosperity" towards North Korea, continuing the Sunshine Policy of his predecessor Kim Dae-jung. This included economic projects like the Kaesong Industrial Region and summits such as the 2007 Inter-Korean Summit. Domestically, he advocated for balanced regional development and investigated collaborators from the Japanese colonial era. His tenure faced significant opposition from the Grand National Party and major media conglomerates like the Chosun Ilbo, and was marred by a failed impeachment attempt in 2004 and slowing economic growth.
Post-presidency and death
After leaving the Blue House, he retired to his hometown of Bongha Village. In 2009, he became embroiled in a corruption investigation centered on payments to his family, allegations he strenuously denied. On 23 May 2009, he died from a head injury after jumping from a cliff behind his home, an act ruled a suicide by the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. His funeral was held as a state-sponsored people's funeral, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners to the streets of Seoul.
Political positions and legacy
A self-described "liberal" and "reformist," Roh championed anti-authoritarianism, income redistribution, and diplomatic autonomy from traditional allies like the United States. His legacy is polarizing; supporters view him as a principled democrat who challenged entrenched power, while critics cite economic management and political friction. He is remembered as a symbol of grassroots democracy, and his supporters later formed the core of the Democratic Party of Korea, influencing subsequent presidents like Moon Jae-in.
Category:Presidents of South Korea Category:1946 births Category:2009 deaths