((Short description|President of South Korea from 2003 to 2008))
((pp|small=yes))
((family name hatnote|Roh||lang=Korean))
((Use dmy dates|date=October 2020))
((Infobox officeholder
| native_name         = ((nobold|노무현))
| native_name_lang    = ko
| honorific-suffix    = ((post-nominals|list=[[Supreme Order of Hibiscus|GOM]]))
| image               = Roh Moo-hyun presidential portrait.jpg
| office              = 9th [[President of South Korea]]
| primeminister       = ((ublist
 | [[Goh Kun]]
 | [[Lee Hae-chan]]
 | [[Han Myung-sook]]
 | [[Han Duck-soo]]))
| term_start          = 25 February 2003
| term_end            = 24 February 2008((efn|[[Goh Kun]] served as acting president during Roh's suspension from 12 March 2004 to 14 May 2004.))
| predecessor         = [[Kim Dae-jung]]
| successor           = [[Lee Myung-bak]]
| office1             = 6th [[Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries|Minister of Oceans and Fisheries]]
| president1          = [[Kim Dae-jung]]
| primeminister1      = [[Lee Han-dong]]
| term_start1         = 7 August 2000
| term_end1           = 25 March 2001
| predecessor1        = [[Lee Hang-kyu]]
| successor1          = [[Chung Woo-taik]]
| office2             = Member of the [[National Assembly of South Korea|National Assembly]]
| term_start2         = 22 July 1998
| term_end2           = 29 May 2000
| predecessor2        = [[Lee Myung-bak]]
| successor2          = Chung In-bong
| constituency2       = [[Jongno District|Jongno]]
| term_start3         = 30 May 1988
| term_end3           = 29 May 1992
| predecessor3        = Park Chan-jong<br>Kim Jung-kil
| successor3          = Hur Sam-soo
| constituency3       = [[Dong District, Busan|Dong]]
| birth_date          = ((birth date|df=yes|1946|9|1))
| birth_place         = [[Bongha Village|Pongha]], [[United States Army Military Government in Korea|Southern Korea]]
| death_date          = ((death date and age|df=yes|2009|5|23|1946|9|1))
| death_place         = Bongha Village, [[South Korea]]
| party               = [[Reunification Democratic Party|Reunification Democratic]] ((small|(1987–1990)))<br>[[Democratic Party (South Korea, 1990)|Democratic]] ((small|(1990–1991)))<br>[[Democratic Party (South Korea, 1991)|Democratic]] ((small|(1991–1995)))<br>[[National Congress for New Politics]] ((small|(1995–2000)))<br>[[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2000)|Democratic]] ((small|(2000–2003)))<br>[[Uri Party|Uri]] ((small|(2003–2007)))<br>[[Independent politician|Independent]] ((small|(2007–2009)))
| spouse              = ((marriage|[[Kwon Yang-sook]]|1972))
| signature           = Roh Moo-hyun Signature.svg
| branch              = [[Republic of Korea Army]]
| serviceyears        = 1968–1971
| rank                = [[Sangbyeong|Corporal]]
|module   = ((Infobox Korean name
|child    = yes
|title    = [[Korean name]]
|hangul   = 노무현
|hanja    = ((linktext|lang=ko-Hant|盧|武|鉉|))
|rr       = No Mu(-)hyeon
|mr       = No Muhyŏn))
))
'''Roh Moo-hyun''' ((post-nominals|list=[[Supreme Order of Hibiscus|GOM]])) (((korean|hangul=노무현)); ((IPA-ko|no muçʌn)); 1 September 1946 – 23 May 2009) was a South Korean politician and lawyer who served as the ninth [[president of South Korea]] between 2003 and 2008.

Roh's pre-presidential political career was focused on human rights advocacy for student activists in South Korea. His electoral career later expanded to a focus on overcoming [[regionalism (politics)|regionalism]] in South Korean politics, culminating in his election to the presidency. He achieved a large following among younger internet users, which aided his success in the presidential election.<ref>((cite news
|last=Watts|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2003/feb/24/newmedia.koreanews|title= World's first internet President logs on|work=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 February 2003|access-date=26 January 2008))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821016.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030307145556/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821016.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2003 |title=The Web Site That Elected a President |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek  |date=24 February 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> Roh's election was notable for the arrival in power of a new generation of Korean politicians, the so-called [[386 Generation]] (people in their thirties, when the term was coined, who had attended university in the 1980s and who were born in the 1960s).<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/152611|title=Out with the old|work=Newsweek|date=4 August 2003|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821011.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030307150117/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821011.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2003 |title=Korea's Young Lions |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek  |date=24 February 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> This generation had been veterans of student protests against authoritarian rule and advocated a conciliatory approach towards North Korea, even at the expense of good relations with the United States.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/44498|title=South Korea: Too Much Activism?|work=Newsweek|date=27 November 2006|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Roh himself was the first South Korean president to be born after the end of [[Japanese rule in Korea]].

South Korea received the highest marks on the [[Reporters Without Borders]] [[Press Freedom Index]] under his administration. The value of the [[South Korean won]] against the [[US dollar]] was the strongest during his administration since 1997.<ref>((cite web |title=The Fed – Foreign Exchange Rates – Country Data – H.10 |url=https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/H10/hist/))</ref> Due to the strong currency, for the first time in history, South Korea became the [[List of countries by past and projected GDP (nominal)#IMF estimates between 2000 and 2009|world's 10th largest economy]] and exceeded the [[List of countries by past and projected GDP (nominal) per capita#IMF estimates between 2000 and 2009|$20,000 milestone in nominal GDP per capita]] during his administration. However, despite high expectations at the beginning of his presidency,<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/25/opinion/democracy-takes-office-in-south-korea.html?scp=36&sq=roh%20moo%20hyun&st=cse|title=Democracy takes office in South Korea|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=25 February 2003|access-date=23 May 2009 |first=Ha-yun |last=Jung))</ref> Roh encountered strong opposition from both the opposition conservative [[Grand National Party]] and media, and he was frequently accused of incompetence.<ref>((cite web|author=디지털뉴스팀 |url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201105231100541&code=910100 |title=김동길 "노무현이 잘한 일이 뭔가"...독설 쏟아내&nbsp;– 경향신문 |date = 23 May 2011|publisher=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> As a result, many of Roh's policies, such as a [[Sejong City#History|plan to move the capital of South Korea]] and a plan to form a coalition with the opposition, made little progress. Because of his poor performance in economy and diplomacy, Roh was not a popular president, having the worst approval rating on average ever recorded in South Korean political history.<ref>((cite book|last=Mizuno|first=Kosuke|title=Populism in Asia|location=Singapore|publisher=Nus Press|year=2009|isbn=978-9971694838|pages=167))</ref><ref name="nytpoll">((cite news |title=South Korea's President Sags in Opinion Polls |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/world/asia/27korea.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=27 November 2006))</ref><ref>((cite web |title=Daily Opinion No. 237 (November 2016) |url=http://www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/reportContent.asp?seqNo=792 |work=Gallup Korea |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=26 November 2016))</ref> His economic policy was often criticized for persisting with certain obsolete economic views and failing certain livelihood issues.<ref name="nytpoll" /><ref name="popinasia">((cite book|last=Mizuno|first=Kosuke|title=Populism in Asia|location=Singapore|publisher=Nus Press|year=2009|isbn=978-9971694838|pages=177–179))</ref>

After leaving office, Roh returned to his hometown of [[Bongha Maeul]]. He ran a duck farm and lived an ordinary life, sharing it through his blog. He also ran a website called "Democracy 2.0" to promote healthy online discussions.<ref>((cite web|url=http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=1220488&cid=40942&categoryId=33385|title=노무현))</ref> Fourteen months later, Roh was suspected of bribery by prosecutors, and the subsequent investigations attracted public attention.<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/348583.html|script-title=ko:노 전 대통령, 재직중 알았다면 ‘포괄적 뇌물죄’ 가능성|date=7 April 2009|website=[[The Hankyoreh]]|language=ko|access-date=18 May 2019))</ref> Roh committed suicide on 23 May 2009 when he jumped from a mountain cliff behind his home, after saying that "there are too many people suffering because of me" on a [[suicide note]] on his computer.<ref name="SKorean ex-president Roh dies in apparent suicide">((cite news|last=Kim|first=Kwang-Tae |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtbykbGrMTeo_yujVz7OXv0rgAwD98BN9200|title=SKorean ex-president Roh dies in apparent suicide |agency=Associated Press|date=23 May 2009|access-date=23 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529142241/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtbykbGrMTeo_yujVz7OXv0rgAwD98BN9200|archive-date=29 May 2009))</ref> About 4&nbsp;million people visited Roh's hometown Bongha Village in the week following his death. His suicide was confirmed by police.<ref name="Roh Hopes for Cremation in Suicide Note">((cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/117_45528.html|title=Ex-President Roh Jumps to His Death|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=23 May 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Public opinion on Roh has improved considerably since his death, which has taken into account his human rights background and national economic progress during his presidency. In a 2019 [[Gallup Korea]] poll, Roh was cited as the most popular president in South Korean history amongst the general public.<ref name="2019 Gallup Korea poll"/>

==Personal background==
Roh was born into a poor farming family on 1 September 1946, in [[Bongha Village]] near [[Gimhae]] and [[Busan|Pusan]], in what is now [[North Gyeongsang Province|southeastern]] [[South Korea]]. His ancestor was in [[Dongyang]], [[Zhejiang]]. His parents had three boys and two girls, and Roh was the youngest of his family. In 1953, he entered Dae Chang Elementary School. He received high grades, but was quite often absent from school to assist his parents.<ref>((cite news|url=http://www.chosun.com/svc/content_view/content_view.html?contid=2002042870304 |script-title=ko:[민주당 대선후보&#93; 노무현 누구인가&nbsp;– 1등 인터넷뉴스 조선닷컴 |work=[[Chosun Ilbo]] |date=28 April 2002 |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102183401/http://www.chosun.com/svc/content_view/content_view.html?contid=2002042870304 |archive-date=2 November 2007 |url-status=dead  ))</ref> While in sixth grade, with the encouragement of his school teacher, he became the president of the school. As he entered Jin-yeong middle school, a writing contest was held to commemorate [[Syngman Rhee]]'s birthday. Roh tried to start a student movement against it, but was caught and suspended from the school.<ref name="브리태">((cite web|url=http://enc.daum.net/dic100/contents.do?query1=b03n4402n3 |script-title=ko:노무현&nbsp;– Daum 백과사전 |language=ko |publisher=Enc.daum.net |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Roh Moo-Hyun decided to become a lawyer due to the influence of his elder brother who had studied law but had died in a car accident. Roh studied on his own to pass the [[bar (law)|bar]] exam in 1975 (South Korea does not currently require bar examinees to have graduated from college, university, or law school). In 1977, he became a regional judge in [[Daejeon]], but quit in 1978, and became a lawyer.

In 1981, he defended students who had been tortured for suspicion of possession of [[contraband]] literature. Following this he decided to become a human rights lawyer. In early 2003, he was quoted as saying, "After that defense, my life was totally changed. At first, even I couldn't believe that they had been tortured that harshly. However, when I saw their horrified eyes and their missing toenails, my comfortable life as a lawyer came to an end. I became a man that wanted to make a difference in the world." With fellow human rights lawyers, he pointed out that this case was forged, then claimed that the [[National Security Act (South Korea)]] itself should be judged.

In 1985 he started to participate in civic movements by assuming permanent power of attorney on behalf of the Busan council of citizen democracy.<ref name="브리태" /> He opposed the [[autocracy|autocratic regime]] in place at the time in South Korea, and participated in the pro-democracy [[June Democracy Movement]] in 1987 against [[Chun Doo-hwan]].<ref name=TelegraphObit>((cite news|title=Politics obituaries: Roh Moo-Hyun|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/5383840/Roh-Moo-Hyun.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/5383840/Roh-Moo-Hyun.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2 September 2011|newspaper=[[Daily Telegraph]]|date=25 May 2009))((cbignore))</ref> The same year he was jailed while investigating the cause of death of the [[Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering]] factory worker Lee Seok-Kyu, who had been killed by a stray police tear gas bullet while on strike. Roh was accused of 'unapproved interference in the case' and 'hindering the funeral'. Although he was released in twenty days because of public opinion against the arrest, his lawyer's license was revoked after the incident in political retribution.<ref name="브리태" /> His lawyer's license was reinstated((when|date=April 2018)) and he, along with [[Chun Jung-bae|Chun Jung Bae]] and Im Jong In, founded Haemaru Law firm.<ref>((cite web|url=http://haemarulaw.com/|title=해마루 법무법인|website=haemarulaw.com))</ref>

Roh was baptized as a [[Catholic Church in South Korea|Catholic]] (baptismal name: Justin) in 1986 but then [[Lapsed Catholic|lapsed]] while continuing to identify as a Catholic,<ref name="Mee-yoo">((cite news |first=Kwon |last=Mee-yoo |title=Roh's Funeral to Be Imbued With Buddhism |url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/117_45772.html |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=26 May 2009))</ref> though later years he was [[Irreligion|non-religious]] while practicing a form of [[Mahayana Buddhism]].<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=020&aid=0000136518|script-title=ko:노무현후보 김추기경의 방문|publisher=Naver News [[Dong-a Ilbo]]|date=20 June 2002|access-date=13 September 2008|language=ko))</ref><ref>((in lang|ko))[http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/bluehouse/308324.html Hani News] ''[[The Hankyoreh]]'' (3 September 2008). Retrieved 13 September 2008</ref>

==Early political career==
Roh entered politics in 1988 when he was invited by [[Kim Young-sam]] to join the [[Reunification Democratic Party]] (((Korean|hangul=통일민주당|labels=no))). That same year, he was elected as a member of the [[National Assembly of South Korea|National Assembly]], representing [[Dong-gu, Busan]].((citation needed|date=September 2020)) He came to wider public attention with his cross-examination of the government over political corruption allegations in a parliamentary hearing.<ref name=BBCobit>((cite news|title=Obituary: Roh Moo-hyun|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2535143.stm|access-date=2 September 2011|newspaper=BBC News   |date=23 May 2009))</ref>

In 1990, [[Kim Young-sam]] merged his party with the [[Democratic Justice Party]] to form the [[Democratic Liberal Party (South Korea)|Democratic Liberal Party]], a forerunner of the [[Grand National Party]]. Roh did not participate in the party and he criticized it as "betrayal against the democracy movement".<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?sid1=001&oid=079&aid=0000048178 |script-title=ko:盧대통령, 여소야대 몰리니까 지역구도 해체? |language=ko |publisher=[[Naver News]] |date=29 July 2005 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

In 1991, before the election of the national assembly, the [[Chosun Ilbo#Subsidiaries|''Weekly Chosun'']] posted an article that alleging that Roh was a politician with hidden wealth. Roh sued the company for defamation and won, but lost the election for his seat.<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=038&aid=0000176268 |script-title=ko:뿌리깊은 '언론 반감' 체험서 비롯 |language=ko |publisher=[[Naver News]] |date=31 March 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Having lost his seat in the 1992 Assembly elections, he later ran for the mayorship of Busan in 1995, where he lost again. Shortly after the election, [[Kim Dae-jung]] founded the [[National Congress for New Politics]], but Roh did not join.((citation needed|date=October 2016)) In 1996, he ran for the Assembly seat for [[Jongno-gu, Seoul|Jongno-gu]] in [[Seoul]], losing to another future president, [[Lee Myung-bak]].((citation needed|date=September 2020))

Roh founded the new party with Lee Bu-Yeong, Lee Chul, Kim Won-Gi, and Kim Jeong-Gil, but before the presidential election, after the [[New Korea Party]] merged with the [[United Democratic Party (South Korea, 1995)|United Democratic Party]], he decided to reconcile with Kim Dae-jung to 'bring the military government and their political heir into justice'.((citation needed|date=September 2020))

Subsequently, Roh reconciled with Kim when he endorsed his candidacy in the 1997 [[1997 South Korean presidential election|Presidential election]]. At the meeting, Kim Dae-jung welcomed Roh and his party saying "Today is a very pleasant day. That pleasure is not only because we now work together, but also because I could relieve a burden in my mind that I have been carrying (since we separated)." Roh returned to office in 1998, when Lee Myung-bak resigned his seat because of a violation of election law, winning a seat in the ensuing [[by-election]].((citation needed|date=September 2020))

In 2000, Roh ran for the National Assembly representing [[Buk-gu, Busan|Buk-gu]] and [[Gangseo-gu, Busan|Gangseo-gu]] in Busan as part of a campaign to overcome [[Regionalism (politics)|regionalism]] in Korean politics, but was defeated. His defeat in the election, however, proved fortuitous when his supporters formed [[Nosamo]], the first political fan club in Korea.<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=028&aid=0000026826|script-title=ko:승부사 노 대통령 역대 승률 50%|publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]]|date=12 October 2003|access-date=26 January 2008|language=ko))</ref> His supporters were inspired by his commitment to overcoming regionalism.<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=082&aid=0000063046|title=The people who voted for Roh "출사표 던진 노무현의 사람들"|publisher=[[Busan Ilbo]]|date=27 September 2005|access-date=26 January 2008))</ref>

In 2000, Roh was appointed Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries under Kim Dae-jung, and this position would constitute his major government experience prior to the presidency.<ref>((cite web|author=Christian Caryl |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/34963 |title=The Road of No Return |work=Newsweek |date=13 May 2007 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>((failed verification|date=September 2020))

Roh got public attention when he participated in candidate election of his party. The candidate election itself also got high public attention because it allowed the vote not only from the party members, but also the local citizens. At first, his approval rate was 10%, allowing much gap with leading candidate Lee In-Jae, but Roh constantly earned much supporters by his notable speeches, especially in [[Ulsan]],<ref name="대선장정">((cite news|author= |newspaper=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|url=http://media.daum.net/politics/others/view.html?newsid=20021219111658326 |script-title=ko:<盧당선자 대선장정 1년7개월> &#124; Daum 미디어다음 |language=ko|publisher=Media.daum.net |date=19 December 2002 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> and the result of poll that Roh's approval rate was 41.7%, 1.1% higher than the [[Lee Hoi-chang]], candidate of the opponent party, convinced the voters of his party.<ref>((cite news|author= |newspaper=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|url=http://media.daum.net/politics/others/view.html?newsid=20020313080327044 |script-title=ko:선호도 노무현 41.7 이회창 40.6% &#124; Daum 미디어다음 |language=ko|publisher=Media.daum.net |date=13 March 2002 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Roh won the presidency on 19 December 2002, by defeating [[Lee Hoi-chang]] with a narrow 2% margin of victory. At 2003, right before his inauguration, he described his plan as "I will root the method of discussion inside the government.",((clarify|date=September 2020)) and added, "discussion should be familiarized until we are called 'Republic of discussion'."<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=001&aid=0000304836 |script-title=ko:盧 "국정운영 토론 중시" |language=ko |publisher=[[Naver News]] |date=14 January 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

==Presidency (2003–2008)==
((Liberalism in South Korea|People))

===First year===
Roh dubbed his administration the "Participatory Government,"<ref>((cite web |url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&id=419e60394ae3ef6a194f4b8a |title=Address by President Roh Moo-hyun at the International Conference on Growth Engines of Korea |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |date=24 July 2003 |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129011654/http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&id=419e60394ae3ef6a194f4b8a |url-status=dead ))</ref> and entered office intent on introducing an ambitious new agenda. Policy goals for the Roh administration included the continuance of the [[Sunshine Policy]] of engagement towards [[North Korea]],<ref>((cite web|url=http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=Stormy+days+for+Seoul%27s+sunshine+policy&y=9&aje=true&x=13&id=061011001018&ct=0|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123182046/http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=Stormy+days+for+Seoul's+sunshine+policy&y=9&aje=true&x=13&id=061011001018&ct=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 January 2013|title=Asia–Pacific: Clouds over Seoul's 'sunshine policy'|work=Financial Times|date=17 October 2006|access-date=26 January 2008))</ref> the establishment of Korea as a business hub in Northeast Asia, the expansion of social welfare, the pursuit of "balanced national development" to help underdeveloped areas, the eradication of corruption, reform of education and tax systems, reform of [[Labour economics|labor]]-management relations, reform of mass media, and a recasting of the relationship with the United States and Japan.<ref>((cite web |url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/government/cnt01060101.html |title=Top 12 Policy Goals |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-date=14 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714143215/http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/government/cnt01060101.html |url-status=dead ))</ref>

As his policy for eradicating corruption inside the government had included many administrative reforms, he had to face high opposition. During the reformation of the prosecution, to resolve the opposition, he suggested a TV forum. The prosecutors insisted that Roh appointed the major positions of the prosecutor's office without consulting the personnel committee, and Roh answered that "The current members of the personnel committee themselves represent the old prosecution which has to be changed, if we do not change now, it would sustain the old prosecution at least few months."<ref>((cite web |url=http://imnews.imbc.com/replay/nwtoday/article/2355402_5782.html |title=MBC뉴스&nbsp;– news.mbc.co.kr |publisher=Imnews.imbc.com |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318202140/http://imnews.imbc.com/replay/nwtoday/article/2355402_5782.html |archive-date=18 March 2012  ))</ref> Three months into his presidency, he commented about the opposition problem, stating "I'm worrying the opposition that maybe I cannot continue the presidency while I get that much of it."((citation needed|date=September 2020)) That comment was quoted partly by conservative media, ('I cannot continue the presidency') and Roh was beset by skepticism about his ability and experience.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-10/11/content_271056.htm|title=South Korea's Roh rejects cabinet resignation|work=China Daily|date=11 October 2003|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Roh set the tone of his administration with a number of adventurous policies, and measures to uncover and reveal the names of the [[Special law to redeem pro-Japanese collaborators' property|descendants of Japanese collaborators]]. The investigations, criticized by opposition parties as a covert means of attacking them, and coming too late to provide substantive redress, mostly resulted in damage to his own party members.<ref>((cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E1DE1630F93BA3575AC0A9629C8B63|title=Trying to Stone Collaborators, Seoul Party Hits Glass House|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=8 September 2004|access-date=23 May 2009 | first=James | last=Brooke))</ref><ref>((cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3578614.stm|title=Disgraced Seoul party boss quits|publisher=BBC News  |date=19 August 2004|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3580378.stm|title=Raking over S Korea's colonial past|publisher=BBC News  |date=19 August 2004|access-date=23 May 2009|first=Kate|last=McGeown))</ref>

Also in his first year in office, Roh announced S Korea's Free Trade Agreement Policy Roadmap.<ref>((cite journal|last=Nissen|first=A.|date=2022|title=Not That Assertive: The EU's Take on Enforcement of Labour Obligations in Its Free Trade Agreement with South Korea |journal=European Journal of International Law|volume=XX|issue=2|pages=607–630 |doi=10.1093/ejil/chac037|doi-access=free|hdl=1887/3491990|hdl-access=free))</ref> Roh successfully pushed for free trade agreements in spite of domestic opposition from his traditional leftist constituency (who denounced it as "[[neoliberalism|neoliberal]]")<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2007/11/180_13170.html |title=Voters will evaluate Roh's performance |date=5 November 2007 |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> and various groups (particularly farmers) opposed to market opening.<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/125482.html|title=Korean labor group to hold anti-free trade agreement rallies in U.S. in early June|publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]]|date=22 May 2006|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/201024.html|title=Farmer kills one, injures two over FTA|publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]]|date=5 April 2007|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref>

===Uri Party and impeachment===
Roh and his supporters left the Millennium Democratic Party in 2003 to form a new party, the [[Uri Party]] (((Korean|labels=no|열린우리당 |lit="Our Open Party"))). Directly ahead of the National Assembly elections, Roh voiced support for the Uri Party, which constituted a technical violation of Constitutional provisions mandating presidential impartiality. After Roh refused to apologize, led by the opposition parties holding the majority, the Assembly voted to [[impeachment|impeach]] him for illegal electioneering on 12 March 2004.((citation needed|date=September 2020)) The vote was 193–2 (Uri Party members abstained from the vote). Roh's supporters physically blocked the motion for three days in open combat, and had to be hauled out by security guards.<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403120004.html The Impeachment Motion Has Passed] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109011542/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403120004.html |date=9 January 2009 ))</ref>((failed verification|date=September 2020)) Roh's executive power was suspended pending a final decision by the Constitutional Court, and Prime Minister [[Goh Kun]] ran the country as the Acting President.

The National Assembly's attempt to impeach Roh was largely opposed by the public. From 12 March 2004, to 27 March, protest against the impeachment motion was led by 'citizen's movement for eradicating corruption'. According to the police, 50,000 people gathered to protest on 13 March alone.<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=001&aid=0000591189 |script-title=ko:"탄핵무효, 민주수호" 수만명 함성(종합) |language=ko |publisher=[[Naver News]] |date=13 March 2004 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Although Roh's popularity had hovered around 30%, the impeachment was taken as a power struggle against the political reform and the choice of the citizen, and Roh's popularity went up soon after the assembly's vote to impeach Roh. The results of the [[2004 South Korean parliamentary election|April 2004 parliamentary election]] showed public support for him, with the Uri Party winning a majority of seats.((citation needed|date=September 2020))

On 14 May 2004, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment decision, restoring Roh as president.<ref>((cite web |url=http://news.hankooki.com/ArticleView/ArticleView.php?url=society/200405/h2004051418111621950.htm&ver=v002 |script-title=ko:한국일보 : 봉하마을 "노무현 만세" 잔칫집 |publisher=News.hankooki.com |date=14 May 2004 |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-date=4 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104112741/http://news.hankooki.com/ArticleView/ArticleView.php?url=society%2F200405%2Fh2004051418111621950.htm&ver=v002 |url-status=dead ))</ref> After the incident, Roh joined the Uri party as a member, officially making the Uri party as the ruling party. It was the first time that a liberal party achieved a majority in the National Assembly.((citation needed|date=September 2020))

===After the reinstatement===
[[File:The President of Republic of Korea Mr. Roh Moo-Hyun and his Wife Mrs. Roh Moo-Hyun are received by the President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at a Ceremonial Reception in New Delhi on October 05.jpg|thumb|Roh and his wife [[Kwon Yang-sook]] in India with [[Manmohan Singh]] and [[A.P.J Abdul Kalam]] in 2004]]
As a part of his balanced national development campaign to reverse the concentration of wealth in Seoul, Roh also pursued a plan to relocate the capital 100 miles away to [[South Chungcheong Province]], ostensibly to relieve congestion. Roh had made this promise during his campaign, and pursued its fulfillment, despite convincing few voters outside the Chungcheong region of the benefits of the move.<ref>((cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_PTDDSTP |title=The pros and cons of capital flight |newspaper=The Economist  |date=13 August 2004 |access-date=27 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019191011/http://www.economist.com/node/3100713?story_id=E1_PTDDSTP|archive-date=19 October 2012))</ref>((failed verification|date=September 2020)) After much controversy, the Constitutional Court obviated Roh's plans by ruling that the relocation of the capital was unconstitutional because it 'opposes the custom that has to be considered as the constitution', thus inflicting a huge blow to Roh's political standing. Roh's plan was then amended to the creation of an "administrative capital," though this plan has also not yet seen completion. The issue of the proposed "administrative capital" remains controversial as of 2010 in plans for [[Sejong City]], the exact nature of which continues to be a politically divisive issue even within the ruling [[Grand National Party]].((citation needed|date=September 2020))

With the controversies concerning the capital, perceptions of neglect and mismanagement of the economy had grown.<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/world/asia/27korea.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=roh%20moo%20hyun&st=cse|title=South Korea's President Sags in Opinion Polls|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=27 November 2006|access-date=23 May 2009 | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi))</ref> Although exports performed at record levels and the economy grew, growth still lagged behind both the previous administration and the rest of the world, while the domestic economy stagnated.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_28/b3891090.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040829061405/http://businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_28/b3891090.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 August 2004 |title=Koreans' Wallets Are Slamming Shut |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek  |date=12 July 2004 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> At the same time regulations proliferated, investment capital exited the country,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/150059 |title=The rich hit the road |work=Newsweek |date=19 September 2004 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> unemployment (especially among the young) increased, wealthy students flocked overseas as the education system stagnated, and housing prices in Seoul soared far beyond the reach of the average citizen. Roh responded by dismissing criticism as "shameless mudslinging,"<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/213677.html |title=Roh condemns opposition presidential hopefuls, says economy in stable condition |language=ko |publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> and touted the achievements of his government in increasing national competitiveness, strengthening the economy.<ref>((cite web |url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&page=2&m_def=&ss_def=&category=&navi=president&sel_type=1&keyword=&id=0155d6e4ff040a3a2b9d2ce8 |title=President Appreciates Nosamo for its Strong Support |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |date=16 June 2007 |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129011656/http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&page=2&m_def=&ss_def=&category=&navi=president&sel_type=1&keyword=&id=0155d6e4ff040a3a2b9d2ce8 |url-status=dead ))</ref> This somewhat cavalier attitude led to his Uri Party suffering consecutive defeats in the Assembly, before eventually collapsing. Roh's unpopularity had become a liability for his party, and a new party was needed to disassociate from him.<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/world/asia/17korea.html|title=Election in South Korea Is Missing Its Suspense|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=17 December 2007|access-date=23 May 2009 | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi))</ref> The Uri Party would thus be revamped and renamed as the [[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2008)|Democratic Party]], and is currently the main opposition party in the National Assembly.

Roh's ambitious initial promises to establish Korea as an international business hub in Asia<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/14/business/south-korea-has-big-plans-for-the-area-around-seoul.html|title=South Korea Has Big Plans For the Area Around Seoul|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 February 2003|access-date=23 May 2009 | first=Don | last=Kirk))</ref> faded soon after his election.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2007/07/123_6774.html |title=Hub Plan Becomes Hollow Slogan |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=18 July 2007 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919224902/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2007/07/123_6774.html |archive-date=19 September 2007 ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/123_19856.html |title=Seoul Ranked Outside Top 50 Financial Hubs |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=29 February 2008 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415063628/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/123_19856.html |archive-date=15 April 2009 ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/05/128_4701.html|title=Korea Faces Uphill Battle to Become Financial Hub|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=13 June 2007|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200306/200306120021.html |title=Business Pros Rip Seoul's 'Asian Hub' Plan |publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |date=12 June 2003 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040924004339/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200306/200306120021.html |archive-date=24 September 2004 ))</ref> Instead, Korea under Roh suffered negative publicity in the foreign business community due to prosecutorial investigations on the purchase and sale of Korea Exchange Bank by the Lone Star Fund, spurring foreign investors to join their domestic counterparts in leaving the country.<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200710/200710300026.html |title=Just What are the Incentives to Investing in Korea? |publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |date=30 October 2007 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406040839/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200710/200710300026.html |archive-date=6 April 2008 ))</ref> When housing prices soared, to prevent speculative bubble like [[Japanese asset price bubble]] crisis, Roh introduced additional 1~3% of property tax on real estate exceeding 600&nbsp;million won (about 600,000US$).<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/business/worldbusiness/18frozen.html|title=Home Prices in South Korea Stalling at a High Point|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=18 December 2007|access-date=23 May 2009 | first=Martin | last=Fackler))</ref> This efficiently slowed down the bubble, but this policy met high opposition from the richest who had to pay higher tax.<ref>((cite web |url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsReadEnglish.php?sc=30800003&cm=Economy&year=2007&no=695964&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=308 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723173052/http://news.mk.co.kr/newsReadEnglish.php?sc=30800003&cm=Economy&year=2007&no=695964&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=308 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 July 2011 |title=320,000 Apartments Planned for Initial Sales Next Year |publisher=News.mk.co.kr |access-date=12 January 2012 ))</ref> At the same time, Roh also increased welfare spending by 18% a year, and drastically increased spending by increasing the size of the civil service by more than 95,700 new hires, or approximately 60 people a day. Criticism of lax discipline among the civil service and police force was high during his government.

The remainder of Roh's term was characterized by a number of campaigns pursued to varying degrees of success and completion. One of the more successful campaigns (at least during his term) was Roh's pursuit of an [[Republic of Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement|FTA with the United States]], concluded in April 2007 after many months of negotiations by [[Kim Hyun-jong]], the deputy minister for trade.

===Grand coalition plan===
((unreferenced section|date=March 2018))
As a result of the controversy concerning the capital, and public dissatisfaction of economic development, Uri party lost much of its popularity. When the Uri party was defeated in by-elections held on 30 April 2005, losing every one of the 23 electoral districts, Uri Party lost its majority in the National Assembly. Facing the outcome of his unpopularity, Roh took a rather strange measure to manage the government when he proposed a [[grand coalition]] with the opposition Grand National Party. Roh's rationale was that since it was impossible to continue his presidency with an approval rate of around 20 percent, a grand coalition comprising the Uri party and the Grand National Party was desirable, and that the difference between both parties in terms of political agendas was actually minute. Roh promised he would yield much of his power and might even resign from office if a grand coalition was successfully launched.

Roh's proposal for the grand coalition stirred yet another national controversy. Many called his plan "reckless and completely ignorant" of the sentiments of people still ailing from repeated political controversies and economic hardships. Many of the Uri party's supporters who identify as liberals were enraged at Roh holding that his party was not really different from the conservative opposition. The Grand National Party, enjoying relatively strong approval rate but still bent on revenge for the party's defeat in major elections, repeatedly declined to initiate a negotiation for the coalition. While the Uri Party grudgingly supported the President's proposal, a lawmaker defected from the party in protest of Roh's plan, and the loss of popularity was felt when the party suffered yet another complete defeat in the by-election on 26 October 2005, this time including one of the party's stronghold electoral districts. Roh's plan was scrapped, having failed to garner support from either political faction.

===Foreign relations===

====United States====
[[File:Roh and Bush October 2003.jpg|thumb|right|President Roh and Bush in October 2003]]
[[File:APEC gala dinner 2006-Nov-18.jpg|thumb|left|Roh Moo-hyun and [[Kwon Yang-sook]] at the 2006 [[APEC]] gala dinner with President [[Vladimir Putin]] of Russia (centre) and [[George W. Bush]] and his wife [[Laura Bush]] (right)]]
Roh was perceived as an [[Anti-Americanism|anti-American]] before the presidential race, which was not a handicap during the presidential campaign. Public antipathy to the United States was prevalent in 2002, particularly evoked by the [[Yangju highway incident]], where two South Korean middle school girls were crushed to death by a U.S. Army [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge|armored bridge-laying vehicle]]. The American soldiers involved were tried by a U.S. Army court martial, but the Roh administration continued to demand a South Korean trial, although the incident occurred 'on duty' (as part of a convoy) and thus was an American responsibility under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and South Korea.

However, except for the policy toward the North Korea, Roh was supportive toward the United States. Roh endeavored to improve relations with North Korea, becoming the first president to cross the border by foot and meeting [[Kim Jong Il]]. He dispatched the [[Zaytun Division]] to support the US in the [[Iraq War]] by carrying out peacekeeping and other reconstruction-related tasks. Roh explained the deployment as only a peacekeeping mission and claimed that such commitment was required to bring favor from the United States in resolving the [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|North Korean nuclear crisis]]. He also pursued the [[KORUS FTA]]. In 2004, the Roh administration reached an agreement with the US to move out all US forces in the capital to [[Camp Humphreys]], a rural area far away from the capital or major cities, as he deemed the [[USFK]]'s presence in the capital unnecessary and harming its reputation and development.<ref>((cite web|url=http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=572172&cid=46628&categoryId=46628|title=평택미군기지이전))</ref>

In February 2006, Roh announced that South Korea would initiate negotiations with the United States for a [[free trade agreement]].<ref>''한미 FTA 협상 공식 선언'' [http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=101&oid=034&aid=0000262710 Naver.com], YTN 3 February 2006</ref>

In April 2007, Roh presided over an emergency meeting of his aides to discuss the diplomatic fallout from the [[Virginia Tech massacre|massacre at Virginia Polytechnic Institute]] in the United States by a South Korean student, [[Cho Seung-hui]], concerning its negative impact on South Korea-U.S. relations.<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.monstersandcritics.com/usa/news/article_1292933.php/Roh_reacts_with_shock_concern_for_Koreans_in_US_after_massacre |title=Roh reacts with shock, concern for Koreans in US after massacre |date=18 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010221504/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/usa/news/article_1292933.php/Roh_reacts_with_shock_concern_for_Koreans_in_US_after_massacre |archive-date=10 October 2012 ))</ref> They were discussing comprehensive measures to cope with the unprecedented incident, including issuance of presidential messages of apology and plans to prevent possible harassment of South Koreans living in the United States.<ref>((cite web|url=http://johnib.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/south-korea-concerned-over-us-killings/|title=South Korea Concerned Over U.S. Killings|publisher=The 'Peace & Freedom' Web Site|date=18 April 2007|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905214833/https://johnib.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/south-korea-concerned-over-us-killings/|url-status=dead))</ref> Roh issued two messages of condolence already on 17 April 2007.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.usasianwire.com/p_vatech.html|title=Statements of Condolences by President Roh Moo-hyun of Korea (Virginia Tech Massacre)|publisher=US Asian Wire, Incorporated|date=17 April 2007))</ref>

Former [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert Gates]] described Roh as "anti-American and probably a little crazy" in his book titled ''Duty'', and professed astonishment at Roh telling him at the meeting in November 2007 that "the two biggest security threats in Asia were the United States and Japan".<ref>((cite web |title=Ex-U.S. defense chief calls Roh 'crazy' |date=15 January 2014 |publisher=[[The Korea Herald]] |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140115000619&mod=skb))</ref><ref>((cite web |title=Gates: America Prevented A 'Very Dangerous Crisis' In Korea In 2010 |date=14 January 2014 |publisher=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/robert-gates-south-korea-airstrike-north-korea-2014-1))</ref>

====Japan====
((See also|Japan–Korea disputes))
South Korea's relationship with Japan was in a healthy condition when Roh entered office. However, his first visit to the neighboring country in 2003 was scheduled on a date that coincided with [[Public holidays in South Korea|Korean Memorial Day]].((citation needed|date=September 2020))

During the visit, Roh proclaimed he would not seek any more apologies from Japan over its [[Korea under Japanese rule|colonial occupation]], in the hope of maintaining a friendly relationship between the two countries. Although Roh's proclamation was made in good faith, some expressed concern that Japan may have interpreted this as the termination of its responsibility for the [[Korea under Japanese rule|colonial past]], and use it as an excuse to deny any claims for compensation that may arise in the future.((Citation needed|date=September 2020))

Despite Roh's hope, relations with Japan deteriorated henceforth, in several areas of conflict such as compensation issues for [[comfort women]], denial of the colonial past in [[Japanese history textbook controversies|Japanese history textbooks]], and disputes over the [[Liancourt Rocks]]. Another sensitive issue, former [[Prime Minister of Japan]] [[Junichiro Koizumi]]'s repeated visits to [[Yasukuni Shrine]] were harshly criticized in South Korea, and Roh declared no further meetings with Koizumi would take place unless he stopped visiting the shrine.((citation needed|date=September 2020))

According to Rep. [[Chung Mong-joon]], former leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, "The Roh Moo-hyun administration proposed that the U.S. define Japan as a hypothetical enemy," at the Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul in October 2005. "President Roh proposed it because the general public had bad feelings against Japan and Korea had a territorial dispute over the Dokdo islets with Japan, Washington was very embarrassed since it had hoped Korea and Japan would go hand-in-hand as free and democratic countries. A hypothetical enemy in English implies a main enemy."<ref>((cite web |title=Roh gov't proposed defining Japan as 'hypothetical enemy |date=3 July 2012 |publisher=[[The Dong-a Ilbo]] |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2012070345858 ))</ref><ref>((cite web |script-title=ko:정부, SCM에서 '일본 가상적국' 표기 요구 논란 확산 |trans-title=Government's demand at SCM "Define Japan as a hypothetical enemy" prompts controversy  |publisher=heraldbiz.com |date=18 October 2006 |language=ko |url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LS2D&mid=sec&sid1=100&sid2=267&oid=112&aid=0000050902 ))</ref>

In an address to the nation on 25 April 2006 regarding disputes over the Liancourt Rocks, Roh reaffirmed that he didn't seek another apology from Japan, but demanded that Japan take action in compliance with its past apologies.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.president.go.kr/cwd/kr/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=speech&id=419e56b901cc95aa83bc9eb4|script-title=ko:한일 관계에 대한 특별담화문|publisher=[[President of South Korea]] press|date=25 April 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526035706/http://www.president.go.kr/cwd/kr/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=speech&id=419e56b901cc95aa83bc9eb4|archive-date=26 May 2006))</ref> The then-Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi characterized the speech as intended for domestic audiences.<ref>((cite news|last=権|first=景福|url=http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20050318000063 |script-title=ja:韓日首脳の衝突 発端は小泉首相の「国内向け」発言|publisher=[[Chosun Ilbo]] |language=ja |date=18 March 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224151351/http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20050318000063|archive-date=24 December 2007))</ref>

==Retirement and post-presidency (2008–2009)==
After leaving office, Roh retired to [[Bongha Maeul]], a small village in his hometown. This marked a break with previous custom, where former presidents retired to heavily guarded houses in Seoul.<ref name=NYT042008>((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/world/asia/10roh.html|title=Out of Office and into a Fishbowl in South Korea|author=Choe Sang-hun|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=10 April 2008|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Bongha&nbsp;– a village of 121 people&nbsp;– became a major tourist attraction due to Roh's presence.<ref name=NYT042008/>

==Bribery allegations==
On 4 December 2008, Roh Moo-hyun's elder brother, Roh Gun-Pyeong, was indicted on charges of illegally taking 3&nbsp;million won ($3,000) from former Daewoo Engineering & Construction and imprisoned.

On 7 April 2009, Chung Sang-Moon, the former secretary of Roh Moo-hyun, was arrested on charges. 
In early 2009, allegations of corruption had begun to surface regarding the former President's family and aides, eventually leading to the indictment of Roh's elder brother Roh Gun-Pyeong on suspicion of influence peddling.<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/12/01/2008120161012.html|title=Roh's Brother to Be Questioned Over Bribery|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=1 December 2008|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/28/2009042800576.html|title=Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Sentence for Roh's Brother|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=28 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> The investigation soon expanded to encompass Roh Moo-Hyun's aides,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/113_42721.html|title=Roh's Former Aide Detained Over Corruption Probe|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=7 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> as well as other members of his family.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190923142156/http://www.zibb.com/article/5163016/Prosecution%2Bwidens%2Bcorruption%2Bprobe%2Binvolving%2BRohs%2Bfamily Prosecution widens corruption probe involving Roh's family ]</ref> As the investigation closed in on Roh's former secretary, Chung Sang-Moon, Roh announced on his website that "The accusation should be directed at our household,<ref>((cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13726814 |title=Roh Moo-Hyun |newspaper=The Economist  |date=28 May 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> not Chung. Our household made the request, received money and used it."<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/08/2009040861009.html|title=Roh Admits Wife Took Money from Wealthy Supporter|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=8 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> At the same time, Roh claimed that he himself had not known of the money transfer before his retirement. By May 2009, prosecutors had summoned Roh's wife,<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/348638.html |title=Roh Moo-hyun apologizes for his wife's implication in the Park Yeon-cha bribery scandal |language=ko |publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> son,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/11/Rohs-son-faces-questions-in-bribery-probe/UPI-19591239498420/|title=Roh's son faces questions in bribery probe|publisher=United Press International|date=11 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> and eventually the former president himself<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/352824.html |title=Former President Roh investigated of bribery only 14 months after his term's conclusion |language=ko |publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> on suspicion of receiving 1&nbsp;million dollars in bribes from Park Yeon-Cha, a businessman close to the ex-President. Roh was subject to initial written questioning by prosecutors,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/27/Roh-remains-silent-on-bribe-question/UPI-17601240841989/|title=Roh remains silent on bribe question|publisher=United Press International|date=27 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> before direct questioning, prior to which he apologized again to the public and stated that "he was overwhelmed by shame."<ref>((cite web|last=Park |first=Sungha |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123912622068497635 |title=South Korean Scandal Takes New Twist |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=8 April 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Kang Kum-won was another Roh's long time supporter whose business was under thorough investigation by The Supreme Prosecutors' Office (SPO). Even if Kang was Roh's closest long time supporter, he did not expand his business during Roh's presidency to avoid unnecessary suspicion of special benefits. However, his parole was denied during the investigation despite his terminal illness of brain cancer until Roh's death.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.sisapress.com/journal/article/135493|title=고 강금원 창신섬유 회장의 '마지막 인터뷰'|date=12 August 2012))</ref>

Roh's investigation for corruption came after he had campaigned on pledges to "clean up the presidency,"<ref>((cite web|last=Herskovitz |first=Jon |url=http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2009/04/30/the-bitter-end-for-south-koreas-leaders/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503132240/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2009/04/30/the-bitter-end-for-south-koreas-leaders/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 May 2009 |title=The Bitter End for South Korea's Leaders |publisher=Blogs.reuters.com |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> and root out corruption, while condemning his opponents as hopelessly corrupt.<ref>[http://www.upiasia.com/Politics/2009/04/30/south_koreas_mr_clean_accused_of_graft/1931/ South Korea's "Mr. Clean" accused of graft] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728133250/http://www.upiasia.com/Politics/2009/04/30/south_koreas_mr_clean_accused_of_graft/1931/ |date=28 July 2011 ))</ref>

In one speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Korea's "June Struggle" for democracy, Roh vehemently attacked critics who described him as incompetent, stating, "They even deal out the absurd rhetoric that they would rather have a corrupt administration than an inept one while openly revealing their true colors as forces of corruption and the security-driven dictatorships of the past. What's more, they label the democratic forces as being inept, plotting to rise to power on the back of the nostalgia for the development-oriented dictatorships of the past."<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.newswire.co.kr/?job=news&no=257429 |title=President calls for higher quality of press and politics |publisher=[[Korea Newswire]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

Roh's characteristically self-righteous stance resulted in harsh condemnation of the ex-President for hypocrisy.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/04/202_44059.html|title=Summons of Ex-President|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=29 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> In response to the pervasive criticism upon Roh's bribery charges, he stated on his website, "I have lost my moral cause just with the facts I have so far admitted. The only thing left is the legal procedure".<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/04/23/200904230051.asp|title=Prosecutors send Roh questionnaire|publisher=[[The Korea Herald]]|date=23 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Roh further added, "What I have to do now is bow to the nation and apologize. From now on, the name Roh cannot be a symbol of the values you pursue. I'm no longer qualified to speak about democracy and justice.... You should abandon me."<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-korea-roh28-2009apr28,0,2683669.story|title=South Korea ex-leader to face prosecutors|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=28 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009 |first=John M. |last=Glionna))</ref> Despite these appeals, Roh continued to deny all knowledge of the receipt of money by his family from Park Yeon-Cha, in contradiction to Park's testimony.<ref>((cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=040000&biid=2009050139968 |title=Ex-Pres. Roh MH Denies Bribery Charges |publisher=English.donga.com |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> Roh refused cross-examination with Park.<ref>((cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2904280|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709230001/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2904280|url-status=usurped|title=Roh chides prosecutors for lack of courtesy, refutes bribe charges-IN…|date=9 July 2012|archive-date=9 July 2012))</ref>

In contrast to scandals involving previous presidents, who reportedly used illicit funds close to $500&nbsp;million to finance political campaigns and their family activities,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/116_44039.html|title=Is Korea Land of Missing Leaders?|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=29 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref> Roh's family had to use borrowed funds  close to $1.5&nbsp;million from a friend for personal use, such as the payment of living expenses for study in the United States.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/113_43025.html|title=Ex-President's Wife, Son Questioned|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|date=12 April 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref>

==Death==
Roh Moo-Hyun was found seriously injured on the morning of 23 May 2009 after apparently jumping from a ((convert|45|m|sp=us|adj=on|-1)) cliff known as Bueong'i Bawi (lit. Owl's Rock) behind his rural home in his home village of [[Bongha Maeul|Bongha]]. He sustained serious head injuries and was sent by car to Seyoung hospital nearby at 7:20 am and moved to Busan University Hospital at around 8:15&nbsp;am and pronounced dead at around 9:30&nbsp;am (00:30 GMT).<ref name="SKorean ex-president Roh dies in apparent suicide"/> Police investigators ruled out conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Roh. According to police, Roh switched on his computer and typed a hastily worded suicide note.

The police report stated that the suicide note apologized for making "too many people suffer" and requested that his body be cremated.<ref name="SKorean ex-president Roh dies in apparent suicide"/> 
((blockquote|I am in debt to so many people. I have caused too great a burden to be placed upon them. I can't begin to fathom the countless agonies down the road. The rest of my life would only be a burden for others. I am unable to do anything because of poor health. I can't read, I can't write. Do not be too sad. Isn't life and death all a part of nature? Do not be sorry. Do not feel resentment toward anyone. It is fate. Cremate me. And leave only a small tombstone near home. I've thought on this for a long time.<ref name="bbcsuicide" />))

The 8th president, [[Kim Dae-jung]], stated that "President Roh Moo-hyun loved Koreans more than any other presidents [...] During the unfair investigation, he suffered from all sorts of humiliation, chagrin, deception, and defamation, which left him no option but to commit suicide before his countryman to show his innocence."<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIoOgyxOf_c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/KIoOgyxOf_c |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=김대중 그리고 노무현|last=SUN RED|date=18 December 2015|via=YouTube))((cbignore))</ref> The 10th president, [[Lee Myung-bak]], stated that "the news was truly unbelievable and deeply saddening." Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said the corruption case against him would be formally closed. However, he did not say whether the former president's family would continue to be investigated.<ref name="bbcsuicide">((cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8065101.stm|title=S Korea stunned by Roh's suicide|work=BBC News  |date=23 May 2009|access-date=23 May 2009))</ref>

A State Funeral was held from May 23, 2009, to May 29, 2009, and it was attended by President [[Lee Myung-bak]], First Lady [[Kim Yoon-ok]], former First Lady [[Lee Hee-ho]], former presidents [[Kim Dae-jung]], [[Kim Young-sam]] and members of [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly of the
Republic of Korea]]. However, former Presidents [[Chun Doo-hwan]] and [[Roh Tae-woo]] were absent. The funeral started from his hometown, Bong-Ha village, with his body transported to Seoul via a hearse, with a convoy with his family moving together.<ref>((cite web |title=제 16대 故 노무현 前 대통령 국민장 전체영상 (State Funeral of Roh Moo-Hyun archive footage full replay May 23–29, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5oVcKZFNM  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/NO5oVcKZFNM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=YouTube, imbc.com |publisher=MBC, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=19 November 2020))((cbignore))</ref><ref>((cite web |title=Tens of thousands attend the funeral of former president Roh |url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Tens-of-thousands-attend-the-funeral-of-former-president-Roh-15376.html |website=AsiaNews.it |access-date=19 November 2020))</ref><ref>((cite web |title=봉하마을 6일간의 기록 (6 days of Bongha village's records) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20090528137900051 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] (Yonhap News Korea) |date=28 May 2009 |publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=19 November 2020))</ref> Then, he was cremated in [[Suwon]], [[Gyeonggi Province]] and his ashes were buried in his hometown in accordance with his will, which was recorded on the suicide note.

Roh's suicide followed the suicides of a number of high-profile figures under corruption investigations in Korea in recent years, including the former secretary of Prime Minister Kim Young-chul,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/117_32488.html |title=Former PM Secretary Kim Dead in Apparent suicide |date=10 October 2008 |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> former Busan mayor Ahn Sang-Young (who died by suicide while in prison),<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200402/200402040001.html Busan Mayor's suicide Called 'Political Terror'] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710141227/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200402/200402040001.html |date=10 July 2009 ))</ref> Park Tae-young, former governor of [[Jeolla province]],<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200404/200404290022.html South Jeolla Province Governor Commits suicide] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109011142/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200404/200404290022.html |date=9 January 2009 ))</ref> and [[Chung Mong-hun]], a former [[Hyundai Group|Hyundai]] executive. Roh himself had been sued by the widow of former Daewoo E&C head Nam Sang-Guk for allegedly making defamatory comments that drove her husband to throw himself off of a bridge.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=36415 |title=Roh Sued for Defaming Late Daewoo E&C CEO |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=19 December 2008 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref><ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403220018.html Executive's Body Found 11 Days After Han River suicide] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041112205626/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403220018.html |date=12 November 2004 ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/01/117_36209.html |title=Widow Calls for Roh's Apology Over Death |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> Roh's suicide was followed later in the year by the suicide of another politician, the Mayor of [[Yangsan]], who was being subject to a corruption investigation.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/12/113_56268.html |title=Mayor Commits suicide Ahead of Investigation |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref><ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2915831 suicide rings a warning of election debts’ high costs] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021132456/http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2915831 |date=21 October 2010 ))</ref>

[[File:RohMoo-hyun.jpg|thumb|Sidewalk memorial for Roh set up across the street from Seoul City Hall on 8 July 2009.]]
Roh's public funeral involved Buddhist and Catholic rites.<ref name="Mee-yoo"/> Hundreds of thousands of supporters turned out to pay their respects in memorial shrines erected around the country, as did President Lee Myung-bak and numerous other prominent politicians.<ref>((cite news |title=Sorrow, anger as SKoreans mourn ex-president Roh |agency=AP   |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivLfgoe6bWsIv8GeL0hEjFUFl8gAD98G137G0|date=29 May 2009 | access-date=29 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite news |title=Koreans turn out in force for Roh |publisher=BBC News   |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8073100.stm|date=29 May 2009 | access-date=29 May 2009))</ref> Sporadic violent demonstrations in Seoul immediately after the funeral resulted in the detention of 72 people.<ref>((cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2905535|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709134752/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2905535|url-status=usurped|title=Police nab 72 after protests erupt following Roh rites-INSIDE Korea J…|date=9 July 2012|archive-date=9 July 2012))</ref>

Roh's suicide resulted in a sudden positive shift in domestic perception towards the late President, leading Kim Dong-gil, one of the conservative figures to comment, "How could he become an instant saint upon his suicide?"<ref>((cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46364.html |title=Conservative Professor Slams Lee Gov't |date=6 June 2009 |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> Perceptions of an excessive investigation on Roh's alleged improprieties boosted support for the opposition Party (itself formed when Roh's then unpopularity made it a liability to be associated with him), giving them enough leverage to demand that President Lee Myung-bak apologize for the "politically motivated" investigation they claimed caused Roh's death, and discipline those responsible.<ref>((cite web|author=english@peopledaily.com.cn |url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6669331.html |title=S Korea's opposition party demands president's apology for ex-president's death |work=People's Daily  |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> Support for the opposition party increased to 28.3%, outpolling the ruling GNP at 23.5%.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/06/08/200906080044.asp |title=Session overdue |language=ko |publisher=Koreaherald.co.kr |date=30 March 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> The Democratic Party also decided to block the scheduled opening of the National Assembly until the Lee Myung-bak government accepted responsibility for Roh's suicide.<ref>((cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46541.html |title=Prospects of Assembly Session Remain Cloudy |date=9 June 2009 |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> The chief prosecutor in Roh's bribery case also resigned.<ref>((cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46279.html |title=President Accepts Top Prosecutor's Resignation |date=4 June 2009 |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref> A year after Roh died, his autobiography was published by his personal and political fellows. Based on Roh's previous books, unpublished draft, notes, letters and interviews, it follows Roh's life from birth to death.<ref>((cite web|url=http://book.naver.com/bookdb/book_detail.nhn?bid=6265217 |title=네이버 책 :: 네이버는 책을 사랑합니다 |publisher=Book.naver.com |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

He died almost three months before former President [[Kim Dae-jung]] died on 18 August 2009 of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Former Prime Minister Han Myung-suk and others claimed that the investigation of Roh's corruption case leading to his death was President Lee's political revenge and murder.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFeJTw5daIw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tFeJTw5daIw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=노무현......죽음으로 몰고간 정치보복 표적수사|last=kj070809|date=29 April 2010|via=YouTube))((cbignore))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.ohmynews.com/nws_web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001139771|title=이명박의 정치보복이 노무현을 죽였다그의 자살은 '나로 끝내라'는 마지막 항거|date=25 May 2009|website=[[OhmyNews]]|access-date=1 March 2018))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyqe4W3qnmM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Qyqe4W3qnmM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=한명숙 "노무현으로 시작된 정치보복, 한명숙에서 끝나길"|last=OhmynewsTV|date=20 August 2015|via=YouTube))((cbignore))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201508201725351&code=910402|title=실형 확정 한명숙, "노무현으로 시작된 정치보복 한명숙에서 끝나길 빈다"|date=20 August 2015))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/opinion/editorial/356774.html|title=[사설] 처음부터 정치보복 냄새 진동했던 노무현 사건|date=24 May 2009))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.mediatoday.co.kr/?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=79246|title=김근태 "노무현 수사 본질은 정치보복"|date=28 April 2009))</ref>

==Legacy==
In January 2010, dissatisfaction with the poor electoral showing of the minority Democratic Party, and a posthumous reappraisal of Roh Moo-hyun's presidency spurred the creation of a new party, the "[[Participation Party (South Korea)|Participation Party]]". This party was created to "revive the spirit of former President Roh Moo-hyun."<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/01/116_59162.html |title=Roh Followers Create New Party |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=17 January 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/01/202_59285.html |title=Creating New Party |publisher=[[The Korea Times]] |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/01/27/201001270025.asp |title=New liberal party takes steps for political debut |language=ko |publisher=Koreaherald.co.kr |date=29 March 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_zoom_detail.htm?No=5390|script-title=ko:페이지를 찾을 수 없습니다.|work=[[Korean Broadcasting System]]|access-date=18 February 2010|archive-date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307134338/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_zoom_detail.htm?No=5390|url-status=dead))</ref>

One of Roh's biggest accomplishments was revising regulations for political fundraising, which even one of his harshest critics praises.<ref>((cite web|url=http://m.idomin.com/?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=356109 |script-title=ko:홍준표 "노무현 전 대통령 업적은 정치자금법 개정"|date=11 August 2011 ))</ref> Before the revision, previous presidential candidates received more than $300&nbsp;million hush money from leaving president to run the presidential campaign. During Roh's initial campaign for the presidency, civilians donated their piggy banks raising close to $1.2&nbsp;million, but not enough to match about $12&nbsp;million his opponent raised.<ref>((cite web|url=http://theimpeter.com/33763/ |script-title=ko:시민들이 모아준 12억,노무현은 눈물을 흘렸다아이엠피터 – 아이엠피터|last=아이엠피터|website=theimpeter.com|date=23 May 2016|access-date=1 March 2018))</ref>

The Institute for Future Korea (((Korean|labels=no|한국미래발전연구원))) is established for researching and promoting Roh Moo-hyun's social ideas.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.democracy2.kr/ |script-title=ko:노무현의 가치, 진보의 미래「한국미래발전연구원」이 열어갑니다 |publisher=Democracy2.kr |access-date=12 January 2012))</ref>

A [[United States diplomatic cables leak|leaked American diplomatic cable]] to South Korea revealed that Roh Moo-hyun expressed concerns how the US government mistreated North Korea.<ref>((cite news | first = Je-seong (제성) | last = Hong (홍) |script-title=ko:노무현 "美, 북한 공정하게 안 대해" <nowiki><위키></nowiki> | date = 17 September 2011 |url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2011/09/17/0200000000AKR20110917036800009.HTML | work=[[Yonhap News Agency]] | access-date =5 October 2011 | language = ko))</ref>

Lee In-gyu (((Korean|labels=no|이인규))), the former head of the [[Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea|SPO]] released his book on the involvements of the [[political corruptions]] surrounding the investigation against Roh that led to his suicide.<ref>((cite news |first = Su-jin (수진) |last = Park (박) |script-title=ko:노무현 수사 이인규 "저승 가 노통에게 빚 갚으라 따질 것" |date = 17 December 2011 |url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/510670.html |work=[[The Hankyoreh]] |access-date =17 December 2011 |language = ko))</ref> In his book, Lee acknowledged that the [[National Intelligence Service (South Korea)|South Korean National Intelligence Service]] had intentionally released overly sensational stories about President Roh's bribery charges.

In 2010, a year after his death, the politicians who were Roh's aides won the local elections and became the provincial government heads. In January 2012, [[Han Myung-Sook]] who had been one of the prime ministers in Roh's tenure was elected party leader of the biggest opposition party, [[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2011)|Democratic United Party]]. She officially made clear "succession of Roh's policy".<ref>((cite web|url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201201152204215&code=910402 |script-title=ko:울어버린 한명숙 "노무현은 죽음으로, 난…"|work=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]]|date=15 January 2012))</ref> Although his policy was regarded as failure when he was in the position, it has been reevaluated as liberal and nationalistic, compared to [[Lee Myung-bak|Lee Myung-Bak]]'s authoritarian and pro-US policy.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.ilyo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=79020 |title=일요신문 |website=www.ilyo.co.kr |access-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804081418/http://www.ilyo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=79020 |archive-date=4 August 2012 |url-status=dead))</ref>  Even a conservative professor, [[Lee Sang-don]], who had severely criticized Roh's policy, said that "Roh became a myth (of our age)."<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?cntn_cd=A0001143984 |script-title=ko:'보수논객' 이상돈 "노무현, 한 시대의 상징, 신화 됐다" – 오마이뉴스 |publisher=[[OhmyNews]] |date=18 January 2013 |access-date=27 September 2015))</ref>

On the 10th anniversary of his passing, former US President George W. Bush paid respects at the annual memorial ceremony for Roh Moo-hyun.<ref>((cite web| url = https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/05/23/George-W-Bush-honors-former-President-Roh-Moo-hyun-in-South-Korea/7161558598332/| title = George W. Bush honors former President Roh Moo-hyun in South Korea - UPI.com))</ref>

He was ranked first in the 2019 Gallup South Korea survey asking for the greatest president.<ref name="2019 Gallup Korea poll">((cite web|url=https://www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/reportContent.asp?seqNo=1057 |script-title=ko:한국인이 좋아하는 40가지 [사람편] – 스포츠선수/가수/탤런트/영화배우/예능방송인·코미디언/소설가/역대대통령/기업인/존경하는인물 (2004–2019)|website=gallup.co.kr|date=25 May 2019|access-date=12 January 2022|language=ko))</ref>

==Awards and honours==
===National honours===
*((flag|South Korea)):
**[[File:Grand Order of Mugunghwa (South Korea) - ribbon bar.gif|70px]] Recipient of the [[Grand Order of Mugunghwa]]

===Foreign honours===
*((flag|Algeria)):
**[[File:National_Order_of_Merit_-_Athir_v.1_(Algeria)_-_ribbon_bar.gif|70px]] Recipient of the [[National Order of Merit (Algeria)|National Order of Merit]]
*((flag|Denmark)):
**[[File:Order_of_the_Elephant_Ribbon_bar.svg|70px]] Recipient of [[Order of the Elephant]]
*((flag|Poland)): 
**[[File:POL_Order_Orła_Białego_BAR.svg|70px]] Recipient of [[Order of the White Eagle (Poland)|Order of the White Eagle]]
*((flag|Qatar)):
**[[File:QAT_Order_of_Independence_of_the_State_of_Qatar_ribbon.svg|70px]] Recipient of the [[Order of Independence]]
*((flag|Spain)):
**[[File:Order_of_Civil_Merit_(Spain)_-_Sash_of_Grand_Collar.svg|70px]]	Collar of the [[Order of Civil Merit]]
*((flag|United Kingdom)):
**[[File:Order_of_the_Bath_UK_ribbon.svg|70px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Bath]]

==In popular culture==
The 2013 film ''[[The Attorney]]'' starring [[Song Kang-ho]] is a dramatic adaptation of Roh's early human rights law career. It became the eighth [[List of highest-grossing films in South Korea|highest-grossing film in South Korean history]] at the time of its release, and was the second-highest grossing South Korean film of 2013 behind ''[[Miracle in Cell No. 7]]''.<ref>((cite web |last1=Conran |first1=Pierce |title=THE ATTORNEY Climbs to 8th on All Time Chart |url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2910 |website=Korean Film Biz Zone |publisher=koreanfilm.or.kr |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=en))</ref><ref name=kfilmorg>((cite web|title=The Best Selling Films of 2013|url=http://koreanfilm.org/kfilm13.html|website=Koreanfilm.org|access-date=6 October 2014))</ref>

==Authored books==
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=September 1, 1994 |script-title=ko:여보, 나 좀 도와줘 |publisher=Sae-teo | edition=1st| location = Seoul |language=ko|trans-title=Honey, Please help me |isbn=978-89-87175-19-5))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=November 30, 2001 |script-title=ko:노무현이 만난 링컨 |publisher=Hakgojae Books |location = Seoul |language=ko|trans-title=Lincoln that Roh Moo-hyun met |isbn=978-89-85846-89-9|author-mask=8))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=October 15, 2002 |script-title=ko:노무현의 리더십 이야기 |publisher=Happy Reading | edition=1st | location = Seoul |language=ko|trans-title=Roh Moo-hyun's Leadership Story |isbn=978-89-89571-07-0|author-mask=8))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=September 22, 2009 |script-title=ko:성공과 좌절 |publisher=Hakgojae Books | edition=1st | location = Seoul |language=ko|trans-title=Success and Frustration |isbn=978-89-5625-096-0|author-mask=8))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=November 27, 2009 |script-title=ko:진보의 미래 |publisher=Dongnyok | edition=1st | location = Paju |language=ko|trans-title= The future of progress |isbn=978-89-7297-608-0|author-mask=8))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=April 26, 2010 |script-title=ko:운명이다 |editor1=[[Rhyu Si-min]] |editor2=Roh Moo-hyun Foundation |publisher=Dolbegae | edition=1st | location = Paju |language=ko|trans-title=The fate of the Roh Moo-hyun |isbn=978-89-7199-386-6|author-mask=8))
*((cite book |last= Roh Moo-hyun |date=May 3, 2019 |script-title=ko:그리하여 노무현이라는 사람은 |editor=Roh Moo-hyun Foundation |series= Roh Moo-hyun's Complete Works |volume=6 |publisher=Dolbegae | location = Paju |language=ko|trans-title=So the person called Roh Moo-hyun |isbn=978-89-7199-947-9|author-mask=8))

==See also==
((Portal|Biography|Politics))
* [[2002 South Korean presidential election]]
* [[Hwang Woo-Suk#South Korean government's involvement in the scandal|Roh's involvement in Hwang Woo-suk scandal]]
* [[Social liberalism]]
* [[U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement]]

==Notes==
((Notelist))

==References==
((Reflist))

==External links==
((Commons|Roh Moo-hyun))
((Wikiquote))
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030501083406/http://www.knowhow.or.kr/warp/en/president/story/basis/ Official English page of Roh Moo-hyun]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040605130107/http://eparty.or.kr/ The Opened We Party (in Korean)]
* [http://www.nosamo.org/ Nosamo: Roh Moo-hyun's fan club (in Korean)] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104201705/http://www.nosamo.org/ |date=4 January 2017 ))
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060207104906/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250021.html "Roh Defiant on Korea-US Tension"], The Chosun Ilbo, 25 January 2006.
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2535143.stm "Profile: Roh Moo-hyun"], BBC News, 14 May 2004.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060420035957/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9810/09/korea.japan.01/ "President Roh Moo-hyun and the New Politics of South Korea"], The Asia Society, February 2003.
* [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/25/1046064031462.html "Roh Moo-hyun, South's Man of the People"], The Age, 26 February 2003.
* [http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/12/19/skorea.new.roh.profile/ "Profile: President-elect Roh Moo-hyun"], CNN, 31 December 2002.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061215072308/http://english.president.go.kr/cwd/en/index.php Cheong Wa Dae Office of the President] (English)
* [http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/president/cnt02030201.html Biography from Roh's Cheong Wa Dae archives] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129011654/http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/president/cnt02030201.html |date=29 January 2016 )) (English)

((S-start))
((s-par|kr))
((s-bef|before=Park Chan-jong<br />Kim Jung-kil))
((s-ttl|title=Member of the [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly]]<br />from [[Dong District, Busan]]|years=1988–1992))
((s-aft|after=	Hur Sam-soo))
|-
((s-bef|before=[[Lee Myung-bak]]))
((s-ttl|title=Member of the [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly]]<br />from [[Jongno District|Jongno District, Seoul]]|years=1998–2000))
((s-aft|after=Chung In-bong))
|-
((S-off))
((s-bef|before=Lee Hang-kyu))
((s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries|Minister of Oceans and Fisheries]]|years=2000–2001))
((s-aft|after=Chung Woo-taik))
|-
((Succession box
|before = [[Kim Dae-jung]]|title = [[President of South Korea]]|years = 2003–2008 <br /><small>(Suspended) 12 March – 14 May 2004</small>|after = [[Lee Myung-bak]]))
((s-dip))
((s-bef|before=[[Ricardo Lagos]]))
((s-ttl|title=Chairperson of [[APEC]]|years=2005))
((s-aft|after=[[Nguyễn Minh Triết]]))
((S-end))

((Presidents of South Korea))

((Authority control))

((DEFAULTSORT:Roh, Moo-Hyun))
[[Category:Roh Moo-hyun| ]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Gimhae]]
[[Category:South Korean Buddhists]]
[[Category:South Korean politicians who died by suicide]]
[[Category:Members of the National Assembly (South Korea)]]
[[Category:20th-century South Korean lawyers]]
[[Category:South Korean agnostics]]
[[Category:Former Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Suicides by jumping in South Korea]]
[[Category:Impeached presidents]]
[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]]
[[Category:Liberalism in South Korea]]
[[Category:Uri Party politicians]]
[[Category:Asian social liberals]]
[[Category:Democratic Party (South Korea, 2000) politicians]]
[[Category:Collars of the Order of Civil Merit]]
[[Category:Gwangsan No clan]]
[[Category:Heads of state who died by suicide]]
[[Category:2009 suicides]]
[[Category:Presidents of South Korea]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the White Eagle (Poland)]]