Roh’s Aides Snub Conspiracy Theories
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Police and aides of former President Roh Moo-hyun have ruled out ``conspiracy theories'' surrounding the death of the ex-head of state, triggered by a change in the testimony of his bodyguard, calling them ``groundless.''
The guard first said that he was with Roh, who diverted his attention before jumping off Owl Cliff. However, he later changed his statement and said he was sent to a nearby temple and the late President jumped while he was gone. The estimated time of the suicide was moved to around 6:14 a.m. from the original 6:40 a.m. meaning Roh was alone for about 30 minutes after he jumped.
The guard's change in story triggered rumors and speculation on the Internet surrounding Roh's death.
``We know that speculation about the late President's death is spreading, but we think there is no room for doubt that Roh made the choice on his own accord,'' said Cheon Ho-sun, the spokesman for the bereaved family Wednesday.
However, Cheon said it is regretful that the initial statement from Roh's bodyguard was untruthful. ``It is unfortunate that the police uncovered the facts so late,'' Cheon added.
Another of Roh's aides said the guard may have lied to conceal the fact that he was not keeping an eye on Roh in his last moments.
``The suicide note shows that it was the late President who made the decision. The guard's behavior is a side issue,'' he said. ``The most important thing now is holding the funeral in a calm and solemn mood with the public.''
Conspiracy theories have spread through online portal sites since Saturday, and were further fueled when new witnesses emerged and the bodyguard admitted he lied.
Internet users are still posting rumors and accusations on various Web sites.
A netizen raised suspicion about why Roh's jacket was removed and found at the scene.
Another pointed out that it would have been illogical for the guard to carry the injured former President on his back instead of calling 911.
``There was confusion in the investigation due to the change of statement by Roh's bodyguard,'' a police officer said. ``However, the various conspiracy theories are totally groundless.''
Experts say the endless theories come from the people's feelings of unfairness and anxiety at such an extreme choice made by the ex-head of state.
``It seems that people cannot accept the fact that a respected person killed himself and impute the death to other subjects,'' an official of the Korean Institute of Criminology said. ``To compensate for and rationalize their loss, people tend to produce conspiracy theories.''