Major television news sources, KBS and SBS, have reported that the former South Korea president, Roh Moo Hyun, 62, was found earlier this morning (approx. 7:30am) at the base of a cliff behind his home, unconscious with injuries to his head.  He was transferred to Busan National University Medical Center between 8-8:30am and attempts to revive him failed.  He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Television news anchors on KBS are reporting that police investigators are looking into whether this was a hiking accident, the result of a fall from a cliff, or a suicide, which some speculate may involve poison.   Updated: News sources are confirming that authorities have located a suicide note left behind by former president Roh.  It is now believed that Roh leapt to his death after asking his bodyguard for a cigarette. 

Roh, a former human rights lawyer who succeeded former president Kim Dae Jung, became known for his public stance against corruption during his presidency.  He recently became embroiled in a cash-corruption scandal for which the evidence was mounting against him and public opinion had already begun to turn. 

He apologized on multiple occasions in public, writing recently on his homepage:  “I’m overwhelmed by shame.  I’m more ashamed to those who have trusted and supported me. I sincerely apologize.”

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