Mourners stream into Roh's hometown

GIMHAE, South Korea, May 24 (Yonhap) -- A steady stream of mourners -- from
everyday citizens to big-name politicians -- paid their respects to the late
former President Roh Moo-hyun on Sunday, whose body lied in state at a community
center in his rural hometown.

Roh, who served as the country's president from 2003 to 2008, jumped off a cliff
while hiking behind his home in Bongha Village, about 450 km south of Seoul,
early Saturday. After being declared dead at a nearby university hospital, his
body was moved to his hometown later in the day.
More than 10,000 people have paid their respects to the late president since late
Saturday, and an increasing number of people were pouring into the village Sunday
morning, according to funeral organizers.
Due to a lack of available parking space near the memorial, many visitors had to
park their cars and walk several kilometers to the community center, they said.
The Roh family was planning to set up a larger funeral hall as a flood of
mourners is expected to arrive in the days to come.
Some remarks written in a guest book placed at a corner of the room read: "Please
rest in peace," and, "We pray for your happiness."
Roh Gun-pyeong, the former president's older brother who was recently convicted
in a high-profile influence-peddling case, also arrived to pay his respects. He
was granted a provisional release from prison.
The elder Roh did not respond to reporter requests for comment.
In a suicide note found on his computer, Roh told his family to cremate him and
build a small monument in the village.
The former president's family has yet to decide on the form or date of the funeral.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)