[Student Reporters] Governments

Jean Park/10th, Harvard Westlake

"Hate the sin not the sinner" says Chun Soon-im of Seoul Korea in response to the country's recent loss: former President Roh Moo-hyun. At 62 Roh hurled himself down a mountain while out hiking on May 23rd and died a few hours later due to fatal head injuries at a nearby hospital. Reporters claim that the suicide stemmed from the ex-President's frustration of his "corruption scandal."

Governments have long been dubbed as the corruption centers of each nation yet the human rights lawyer turned President claimed to be what many people called an oxymoron a clean politician. This all changed when allegations that Roh accepted $6 million in bribes from a businessman led to a 10-13 hour interrogation of Roh and his family.

Asking to be cremated Roh truly expresses in his suicide note his disappointment in himself and his shameful actions. He explains that not only were his actions burdensome to the people of South Korea but also that this whole incident including his death were destined to happen. Although he denied the accusations Roh apparently could not undo the heavy and lengthy shadow he cast upon himself or compensate for the stretched scandal.

During his Presidential tenure Roh was entangled in many controversial scenes including that of his partnership with North Korean President Kim Jong Il. Supporters called him the most democratic President South Korea has ever seen while opponents claimed he was too pro-North Korea as he sent aid to facilitate the single-party nation. His policy of distancing South Korea from the United States also troubled skeptics of his "reckless" policies.

Although current South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is shocked and deeply distressed over his predecessor's death he too faces troubles with his economic policies as North Korea is growing more hostile toward him. Lee's forceful policies toward Pyongyang clearly contrast those of Roh which assisted the country with extensive aid. Riots broke out and Roh supporters trashed a bouquet of flowers that Lee had sent to pay respects for Roh's family.

Roh's death has reminded South Koreans as well as North Koreans the change in strategy and policy in just one year. The North Korean nuclear test have many people worried about the outcome of Lee's Presidency.

Mourners for a memorial service gathered in large crowds shocked doubtful saddened or angry and grieved for hours. Many held in their hands a white chrysanthemum to show their respect and sorrow for Roh. His red-draped coffin was followed by his children and the guaranteed line of mourners. Like Roh many South Koreans are disappointed by his actions but also for his unwillingness to face the consequences of his deeds.

Trying to measure the degree of corruption in any government is like trying to count all the fish in the sea arduous and time-consuming. People who are unexposed to the almost-expected crimes of government may see one bribe as an immoral and wicked deed while from another politician's point of view it is a good business deal.