2009, Deaths of Three Great Korean Leaders

Over 5 million people paid their respects at altars to former President Roh Moo-hyun after he unexpectedly committed suicide. A self-educated lawyer and human rights activist, Roh won the presidential election in 2002 without support from the establishment. His presidency was tumultuous as was his life.

Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, a source of consolation for the people during the previous authoritarian regimes, passed away on Feb. 16 at the age of 86.

Former President Kim Dae-jung, the winner of the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize for his engagement policy with North Korea, passed away at the age of 85.