Clad in black and holding yellow ribbons, hundreds of thousands of weeping South Koreans packed central Seoul Friday, bidding farewell to former President Roh Moo-hyun, lauded as a fighter against authoritarianism and regional divisions. Roh died Saturday at the age of 62, leaping from a cliff b behind his rural home amid a bribery investigation that tarnished his legacy as an anti-corruption fighter. He served as the country's leader from 2003 to 2008.
A state-organized funeral was held Friday at an ancient royal palace in Seoul, attended by some 3,000 dignitaries, including President Lee Myung-bak, former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Kim Young-sam, lawmakers and diplomats in Seoul. "We have gathered here today to bid goodbye to former President Roh Moo-hyun who spent his life fighting for human rights, democracy and the end of authoritarianism," Prime Minister Han Seung-soo was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency in his memorial address at Gyeongbok Palace. Roh's former Prime Minister Han Myung-sook said in tears, "Sorry, we love you, rest in peace."
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