Ex-South Korean president suspected of committing suicide

South Korea’s former president Roh Moo-hyun has died of head injuries while hiking in mountains.

Police say the 62 year old had fallen to his death from a rock just 200 metres from his home while accompanied by a bodyguard. A top aide said it appeared he had jumped to his death. The suggestion of suicide comes as Mr Roh, whose five-year term ended in early 2008, had been under investigation for corruption. The scandal centred around a leading businessman who had confessed to handing out bribes to a wide range of officials and politicians. The former leader was pronounced dead after massive head injuries at a nearby hospital at 8.30 local time. Roh came to power in 2003 vowing to fight corruption, but found his time in office dogged by sleaze and political infighting. In 2007, he visited Pyongyang embracing the so called ‘Sunshine Policy’ with the aim of fostering better relations with neighbouring North Korea.