Roh Moo Hyun

Roh Moo Hyun, a farm boy from humble beginnings, became president of the Republic of South Korea in December 2002.

Elected to the country's highest position, Roh confronted a shadowed past of political and economic obsessives, catastrophic wars, and a global nuclear crisis.

Roh established three goals for his government: democracy for the people, a society of balanced development, and an era of peace and prosperity.

Although his administration was marred by scandal, there is no denying that Roh's leadership and democratic agenda helped to forge the country's prominent position in world affairs, economic growth, and persistent efforts for reunification with North Korea.