Amid national shock and mourning surrounding the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun, mental health specialists Saturday warned against possible suicides by the public, who are disturbed by the tragic event.

Park Yong-chon, a psychiatrist at Hanyang University Hospital, said: "When a socially influential figure commits suicide, some people choose to follow suit," Yonhap reported Saturday.

"Those who had a great respect for the deceased and formed part of their identity by following closely the figure are more vulnerable. An extreme identification with the dead may lead to suicide," Park said.

Hyun Myung-ho, a psychologist with JoongAng University, said the media's role is very important in a time like this. "The media's tendency to go into details about the ex-president's death can produce more suicides."

Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a widening corruption scandal, jumped to his death Saturday morning after leaving a brief note. He was 62.