Lee to Pay His Respects to Roh

President Lee Myung-bak is to visit Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, where the late president Roh Moo-hyun's body lies in state. A senior Choeng Wa Dae official said Lee "will pay tribute. If he goes, his destination will naturally be the altar set up at Bongha Village."

The official said it has not been decided whether Lee will visit during the mourning period or attend the funeral service on Friday.

Some presidential officials are apparently opposed to Lee visiting Bongha, citing the tense atmosphere there.

Lee apparently decided it is his duty as a president to pay his respects to his predecessor, despite anger among Roh supporters against the current government over a corruption probe which seems to have prompted Roh to take his life.