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Bush may bring portrait of ex-president Roh

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Portraits of world leaders are on display as part of "The Art of Leadership: A President's Diplomacy" exhibition at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas, in this April 4, 2014 photo. AP-Yonhap file

By Jung Da-min

Former U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to bring a portrait he painted of former President Roh Moo-hyun with him when he participates in a memorial ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the president's death, May 23.

It has yet to be confirmed whether the former U.S. leader will give the portrait to the family of the late South Korean leader, according to a Yonhap report, Sunday.

Bush reportedly plans to deliver a eulogy at the beginning of the memorial service to be hosted by the Roh Moo-hyun foundation at Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, the late president's hometown.

In May 2009, Roh jumped to his death from a cliff near his retirement house in Bongha Village, while under investigation over allegations that his family had accepted illicit funds during his presidency.

Serving two terms as U.S. President from 2001-2009, Bush was Roh's counterpart from 2003-2008. Local arms manufacturer Poongsan is said to have arranged Bush's visit to the village.

Bush, who turned to painting after his retirement, has been painting portraits of veterans and fallen war heroes who fought for the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as of the world leaders he met.

Bush's series of portraits of more than 24 prominent international figures ― from his father George H.W. Bush to the Dalai Lama ― went on display in 2014 at his presidential library in Dallas, Texas. In 2017, he published an anthology of his paintings of veterans titled “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors.”

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in will greet Bush at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday morning before Bush heads to Bongha Village to attend the memorial service held later in the day, the presidential office announced Sunday.