Roh Moo-hyun (노무현) was the 9th President of South Korea, serving from 2003 to 2008. He is remembered as a highly complex, often controversial, and ultimately tragic figure in modern South Korean history.
Here’s a breakdown of his life, career, and legacy:
Early Life and Background
- Humble Origins: Born in 1946 to a poor farming family in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Roh Moo-hyun’s background sharply contrasted with the elite backgrounds of many previous South Korean leaders.
- Self-Taught Lawyer: He did not attend university. Instead, he studied independently and passed the bar examination in 1975, becoming a judge and then a human rights lawyer in Busan.
- Human Rights Activist: During the authoritarian regimes of the 1970s and 1980s (particularly under Chun Doo-hwan), Roh gained prominence defending students and labor activists, solidifying his image as a champion of democracy and human rights.
Political Career (Pre-Presidency)
- Entry into Politics: He entered politics in the late 1980s during South Korea’s transition to democracy, quickly gaining a reputation for his integrity, straightforwardness, and willingness to challenge powerful vested interests.
- “Idiot Roh” (바보 노무현): Roh often ran for election in regions (like his home province of Gyeongsang) where political sentiment heavily favored conservative candidates. He consistently lost elections because he refused to compromise on his principles or engage in regional politicking, earning him the affectionate but sometimes exasperated nickname “바보 노무현” (Idiot Roh Moo-hyun) for his unwavering commitment to his ideals.
- Ministerial Role: He served as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in the Kim Dae-jung administration (1998-2003).
Presidency (2003-2008)
- Election Victory: Roh Moo-hyun won the 16th presidential election (2002) as the candidate for the Millennium Democratic Party (later Uri Party), largely on a platform of reform, anti-corruption, and a promise to move away from traditional “establishment” politics. His victory was notably supported by younger voters and those seeking a more progressive direction for the country.
- Key Policies and Initiatives:
- Balanced National Development: Roh pushed for decentralization and the relocation of government agencies out of Seoul, aiming to reduce regional disparities and promote balanced growth (e.g., the plan for Sejong City).
- Economic Reform: Focused on fostering innovation, R&D, and a knowledge-based economy. He also pursued Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), notably initiating negotiations for the KORUS FTA with the United States.
- Inter-Korean Relations: Continued and expanded upon the “Sunshine Policy” of his predecessor, Kim Dae-jung, under the new name “Peace and Prosperity Policy.” He held the second inter-Korean summit with Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang in 2007.
- Foreign Policy: Maintained a strong alliance with the U.S. but also sought a more independent and balanced foreign policy. He controversially deployed troops to Iraq (Zaytun Division) to support the US, a move that faced significant domestic opposition.
- Political and Judicial Reform: Aimed to increase transparency, curb corruption, and reform the political system.
- Challenges and Controversies:
- Impeachment Attempt: In 2004, he faced an impeachment attempt by conservative opposition parties, primarily over alleged violations of election law and for a controversial statement supporting his new Uri Party. The Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment, and public sympathy for Roh surged.
- Economic Slowdown and Real Estate: His administration faced criticism for a sluggish economy and rising real estate prices.
- Communication Style: Roh was known for his informal and sometimes confrontational communication style, which often endeared him to supporters but alienated critics and the traditional media.
Post-Presidency and Tragic End
- Retirement: After leaving office in 2008, Roh retired to his hometown of Bongha Village, where he remained active in civic engagement and promoting local development and democracy through his website.
- Corruption Scandal: In 2009, Roh and his family became embroiled in a corruption scandal. His wife, son, and aides were investigated for allegedly accepting large sums of money from a businessman. While Roh himself was not directly implicated in receiving money for personal gain, he took responsibility for his family’s involvement.
- Suicide: Under intense public scrutiny and facing mounting pressure from the investigation, Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide on May 23, 2009, by jumping from a cliff behind his home. He left a suicide note expressing weariness, remorse, and concern for his family. His death sent shockwaves across South Korea and led to an outpouring of national grief, with millions attending his funeral.
Legacy
- Symbol of Democracy and Populism: Roh Moo-hyun remains a powerful symbol of democracy, anti-authoritarianism, and a populist leader who genuinely sought to represent the common people against the establishment.
- Controversial Figure: He continues to be a figure of strong debate, admired by progressives for his vision and integrity, but criticized by conservatives for his economic policies and perceived anti-American stance.
- Martyrdom: For many of his supporters, his death is seen as a tragic sacrifice, a result of politically motivated persecution by conservative forces. This perception significantly influenced later political landscapes, including the election of Moon Jae-in (who served as Roh’s chief of staff) as president in 2017.
- Enduring Influence: His ideas on balanced national development, inter-Korean relations, and transparent governance continue to resonate in South Korean political discourse.
Roh Moo-hyun’s life story, from humble beginnings to the presidency and tragic end, encapsulates many of the struggles and aspirations of modern South Korea’s democratic journey.
Meme
After Roh Moo-hyun’s death, memes related to him became popular in Korean online communities. Initially, anti-Roh netizens created content that combined Roh’s voice and photos, largely criticizing him. However, this focus has been diluted in recent years, and Roh Moo-hyun memes are now consumed simply as entertainment.
However, caution is advised, as these memes can be offensive to those who remember and support former President Roh Moo-hyun.