Overview
Roh Moo-hyun (노무현, 盧武鉉; September 1, 1946 – May 23, 2009) was the 16th President of South Korea, serving from February 25, 2003, to February 24, 2008. A former human rights lawyer, he led the "Participatory Government" and is remembered for his efforts to end authoritarianism and regional political divisions in Korean politics. He was Koreas first "Internet President," having built his political support through online organizing.
Early Life
Childhood and Education
Roh was born on September 1, 1946, in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, to a farming family. Due to financial constraints, he attended Busan Commercial High School. Through self-study, he passed the 17th National Judicial Examination in 1975.
Legal Career (1977-1988)
Roh began his legal career as a judge at Daejeon District Court in 1977 but became a lawyer in 1978. From 1981, he worked as a human rights lawyer in Busan, defending activists in the Burim Incident and other pro-democracy cases. This experience sparked his interest in politics.
Political Career
National Assembly Member
In 1988, Roh was elected to the 13th National Assembly from Busan Dong District with nomination from Kim Young-sams Reunification Democratic Party. Despite being a freshman lawmaker, he became a "hearing star" when his tough questioning of former President Chun Doo-hwan and Hyundai Chairman Chung Ju-yung during the Fifth Republic hearings was broadcast live on television.
Breaking Regionalism
After leaving his party in protest of the 1990 three-party merger, Roh repeatedly ran for office in Busan to break regionalism, suffering several defeats. This persistence earned him the nickname "Fool Roh" and made him a nationally recognized figure.
Nosamo and Internet Politics
In 2000, "Nosamo" (People Who Love Roh Moo-hyun), Koreas first fan club for a politician, was formed. This internet-based support became crucial to his 2002 presidential victory.
Presidency (2003-2008)
Participatory Government
His administration was named "Participatory Government" to signify the goal of advancing democracy into a stage of participatory democracy where citizen participation becomes routine. The British newspaper The Guardian commented that "the worlds first Internet President has logged on."
Major Policies
Ending Authoritarianism
- Reforming Blue House authoritarian culture
- Expanding press freedom
- Establishing Truth and Reconciliation Commission for past incidents
Decentralization and Balanced Development
- Promoting construction of Sejong City (Administrative Capital)
- Relocating public institutions to provinces
- Enacting Special Act on Decentralization
Inter-Korean Relations
- Second Inter-Korean Summit in Pyongyang (October 2-4, 2007)
- October 4th Declaration
- Expansion of Kaesong Industrial Complex
Impeachment (2004)
On March 12, 2004, the opposition-led National Assembly passed an impeachment motion, suspending Rohs presidential powers. On May 14, the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment, and he returned to office. Public support surged during this period.
Post-Presidency
Return to Bongha
After leaving office in February 2008, Roh returned to his hometown of Bongha Village in Gimhae—the first former South Korean president to return to his birthplace after retirement. There, he focused on ecological farming and research on democracy.
Investigation
After the Lee Myung-bak administration took office, prosecutors investigated Rohs family and associates in connection with the Park Yeon-cha scandal. Roh himself was questioned as a suspect.
Death
On May 23, 2009, at approximately 6:40 AM, Roh died after falling from Bueongibawi cliff behind Bongha Village. He was 62 years old. He left a suicide note on his computer at 5:21 AM, writing that "life and death are all a piece of nature."
State Funeral
A national funeral was held, with an estimated 5 million mourners (some estimates reaching 10 million) visiting Bongha Village and memorial altars nationwide. The funeral ceremony was held at Seoul City Hall Plaza on May 29, and his remains were cremated and buried in Bongha Village as per his wishes.
Legacy
Bongha Village Memorial
On August 5, 2009, the Presidential Cemetery at Bongha was designated as National Memorial Site No. 1. The cemetery features 15,000 stone tiles inscribed with memorial messages from 18,000 citizens.
Roh Moo-hyun Foundation
The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation was established after his death to continue work on democracy, human rights, and civic participation.
Every May 23, memorial services are held in Bongha Village and throughout Korea. The nickname "Fool Roh" is remembered as a symbol of his political idealism and integrity.