SEOUL, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun's suicide on Saturday stunned the nation and stirred up controversy over the causes of the tragedy.

    The South Korean government, for fear of further social conflicts, hopes the national funeral for Roh on Friday could be an occasion for national solidarity, but it remains uncertain whether the national funeral for Roh could contribute to mending the already bitter social division.

    POLITICAL ANTAGONISM

    Local media said the former president might have decided to commit suicide because of the enormous psychological pressure from prosecutors and the sense of humiliation he felt during the investigation.

    His wife and son had been alleged for accepting around 6 million U.S. dollars from Park Eon-cha, head of shoe manufacturer Taekwang Industry, during his five-year presidency.

    The scandal severely tarnished the "clean" image of Roh, who served as president of South Korea from 2003 to 2008.

    Prosecutors abruptly wrapped up the investigation shortly after the death of Roh, but nonetheless faced great pressure from Roh's supporters.

    Roh's supporters leveled criticisms against the government, saying that his death was caused by a politically motivated investigation into the alleged corruption scandal.

    Prosecutor General Lim Chae-jin on Saturday tendered his resignation to Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han just hours after Roh's death was known, but Kim returned his resignation, saying that he should conclude the ongoing probe into the Park Yeon-cha scandal.

    Tens of thousands of people have paid visits to the altar set up near Deoksu Palace in Seoul, laying white chrysanthemums before his portrait. Many critics who said the current administration is to blame for Roh's suicide also gathered here.

    According to media reports, more than 800,000 people have paid their respect to Roh at a memorial altar in Bongha Village since the former president plunged to his death in a mountain near his residence on Saturday morning.

    However, some of Roh's political opponents were blocked by his supporters. Those who were turned back included National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o, former chairperson of the Grand National Party Park Geun-hye, and chairman of the Liberty Forward Party LeeHoi-chang.

    President Lee Myung-bak intended to pay his respect at Roh's home in Bongha Village. However, Moon Jae-in, Roh's former chief of staff, told reporters that "a visit by the president must be greatly appreciated and proceed without any mishaps, but it is true that things may get out of control."

    Lee sent flowers for the second time to Roh's residence, after the first bouquet was destroyed by Roh's supporters, local media reported.

    REFLECTION

    In recent days, South Korean media published many articles to reflect on the lessons to be drawn from Roh's death for the country's politics and society.

    An editorial from the JoongAng Daily on Monday said Roh's death came during a tumultuous time for South Korea, as many people are experiencing tough circumstances during the global financial crisis.

    It said it is urgent for the Korean society to weather this tragic event prudently and strengthen social stability to help the country move forward.

    "The public will simply not tolerate particular groups of people to appropriate Roh's death to mobilize politically and plan aggressive demonstrations," the article said.

    Korea Herald said in an editorial on Monday that Roh made himself part of the tragic history of Korean presidents when he took his own life.

    The article said that, of Roh's eight predecessors, one president's life ended in exile, two were forced out of office, and another two were sent to prison. It went on to question whether the country's presidency has a "built-in flaw."

    "If so, the nation will have to make institutional improvements as a solution to the problem as soon as possible," the article said.

    In another article, Korea Herald said all political parties, civic groups and others should develop ideological differences into a source of diversity in society, instead of allowing them to degenerate into political conflict.

    AFTER ROH'S DEATH

    The unexpected death of Roh brought unpredictability into the political situation of South Korea.

    According to local media reports, senior officials in the ruling Grand National Party are worried about mounting criticisms and demonstrations against the government as the nationwide mourning continues.

    Local media said that it will be a major task for the government to guide the public emotion and avoid social division in the aftermath of Roh's death. Some media are worried about the possibility of another wave of anti-government protests like what happened a year ago when critics staged massive candlelight protests against U.S. beef imports.

    Prime Minister Han Seung-soo recently said the late President Roh spent his whole life pursuing national development and social unity, and social disorder and political mistakes should never happen because of his death.

    Solidarity is the most important thing under current circumstances, he said.

    The government is actively preparing for Roh's national funeral scheduled for Friday at Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, which will be open to the public, hoping to ease tension in society.