Those who have amassed wealth by piggybacking on the fame of the late President Roh Moo-hyun

May the deceased rest in peace.

Source: News Tomato

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the passing of Roh Moo-hyun, the 16th President of the Republic of Korea, who was the most beloved and popular president in history. He passed away suddenly after suffering harsh harassment from the prosecution, corrupt media, and the successor administration. Every year, countless Koreans attend memorial services to mourn his passing. The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation was established in September of the same year to commemorate President Roh Moo-hyun who passed away in May 2009.

log date: 2026-5-23

The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation (노무현재단) has raised various suspicions since its inception. Although a long time has passed, the fundamental issue that needs to be rectified now is that the foundation's activities and the use of donations are unrelated to President Roh Moo-hyun (노무현 대통령).

Above all, the most serious and urgent issue is that a specific group of people may be embezzling a significant portion of the donations received monthly from President Roh Moo-hyun's supporters.

Recently, Soo-jin Joh (조수진) one of directors of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, who has a poor reputation for various reasons, became a topic. Leaving aside other points, looking at her recent words and actions targeting citizens who criticized the foundation, one can guess why the public constantly points out her shortcomings and wrongdoings. Joh is oblivious to the difference between right and wrong and shocks the public by committing wicked acts with a shameless attitude, much like Ilbe users.

A capture of the post in its pre-edit state, posted by Soo-jin Joh, was shared by a SNS user.

Some view her act of posting a message mentioning damages for hate speech using the foundation's name in the manner above as wrong, given that she is a board member of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. This is because judging by Joh's past words and her spoiled behaviours, it is highly likely that this was a malicious and wicked act.

Soo-jin Joh, known as a lawyer, hosts a YouTube channel with political broker Si-min Yoo. Under the pretext of introducing books, they invite people close to themselves to the broadcast to fill their pockets and sell books. The channel's operating costs are covered by donations to the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.

When the aforementioned YouTube channel was launched, it attracted subscribers by introducing itself as the official YouTube channel of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, but there is almost no video content about President Roh.

It appears to consist of promotional videos for people close to Si-min Yoo and Soo-jin Joh, and seems to be operated as a means of making money.

A citizen shared a recent post written by lawyer Joh, the host of a channel that "introduces books," even though it appears to be nothing more than a pretext and a money-making scheme for a social gathering. It is said that the quality of her writing was so appalling that it left readers speechless.

A post by Soo-jin Joh, lawyer and a board member of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.
Red lines drawn over parts with incorrect grammar, spelling, and spacing.

When citizens pointed out in the comments that the foundation name was incorrect, Joh corrected and reposted it; however, it appears she only fixed the pointed-out part, as the entire content remained at a dismal level that was still difficult to read.

It was not just the foundation's name that was misspelled; the content was so poorly written that it was impossible to find a single complete sentence. According to an editor's assessment, the ability to use spelling, spacing, and punctuation was worse than that of someone who had not completed compulsory education ever in its lifetime.

Just like English, spacing is an essential element of the Korean language. The principle is to separate all words with spaces. When Korean people first enter school, they are taught grammar and dictation exercises to enable them to write and read the language correctly.

However, judging by Joh's writing habits, she writes in such complete disregard for spacing rules that it is presumed to be a text written in Korean by a Japanese speaker who does not use spaces at all.

The writing above is at the level of someone whose native language is not Korean and who is still learning it. The poor spacing was not the only problem. There were many instances where words were written without a proper understanding of their meanings.

The fact that Soo-jin Joh (조수진), a 50-year-old lawyer, could not even use such simple words correctly according to the context literally means that she has never read books or has read very few.

The ignorance she displayed raises questions about how Joh, with such abysmal Korean language skills, managed to obtain a lawyer's license in South Korea.

If a lawyer goes so far as to write "a lawsuit to ban the song itself" while referring to a lawsuit to be filed, it is highly likely that Joh obtained her lawyer's license "without ever having studied or taken the bar exam." This is because it is an expression that would only be used when someone is a layperson with no legal knowledge but is trying to describe a specific lawsuit.

There is an ability that naturally develops when studying law. It makes one's logic coherent whether writing or speaking. The writing by Joh above is not at the level of someone who has studied law and worked as a lawyer.

In memory of President Roh making a surprise visit
to Zaytun Unit stationed in Arbil, northern Iraq, on December 8, 2004.

For 17 years since the death of President Roh, comments and posts insulting and hating him have continued to appear on the internet and in broadcasts. However, it is said that the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation has neglected the issue without taking any action.

President Roh's supporters who sponsor the Foundation requested that the funds donated by the public be used to sue the perpetrators, but the foundation reportedly neglected the situation, essentially allowing them to be thoroughly mocked.

It is said that a few years ago, President Roh's son-in-law, lawmaker Sang-eon Gwak (곽상언) collected hateful and insulting posts circulating on the internet and handed them over to the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, suggesting they be used as evidence in a lawsuit. Later, Gwak inquired about the progress of the lawsuits, only to find that no proceedings had taken place.

It seems the Foundation needs to explain why they accepted the evidence if they had no intention of taking any action, and why they simply sat on it instead of returning it if they decided not to pursue any legal actions after receiving it.

The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation is facing criticism for irresponsibly and shamelessly pocketed donations while ignoring the requests of its sponsors. Amidst this, lawmaker Gwak announced that he would proceed with a criminal complaint. In response, the foundation's attorney Joh also publicly declared that they would take firm legal action; however, this appears to be merely a gesture to avoid criticism, and it seems no citizens trust the foundation's pronouncements.

Recently, lawmaker Gwak held a press conference announcing the initiation of criminal charges, stating that the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation should have filed it long ago. As the public including sponsors agreed with Gwak and criticized the foundation's irresponsibility, the foundation reportedly expressed dissatisfaction to the bereaved family, claiming that donations were being suspended due to Gwak's criticism. Some speculate that the foundation's sudden filing of a lawsuit for damages is a strategy to raise more donations using the legal action as an opportunity.

Source: 곽상언TV

Evidence video material of the insult in which graphic texts
disparaging the late President Roh Moo-hyun were linked to a player's name, streamed on May 11, 2026
 - the official YouTube channel of the Lotte Giants baseball team.
The baseball team has never apologized to the bereaved family to this day.
A criminal complaint has been filed against the perpetrators. (Source: 곽상언TV)

When a political broker attempted to run for office but was disqualified after his past misconduct was revealed, there was a stir regarding the aforementioned Soo-jin Joh running for the vacant seat. However, she also had to resign after her absurd past careers came to light.

This effectively reveals the reason why Joh has been parasitizing the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.

The Foundation's sponsors and donors have pointed out the problem of the Foundation and its funds being misused on the profiles of political hopefuls like Joh who are looking toward a political future.

There are also considerable questions regarding the organization and major activities of the foundation in subject. Looking at the historical organizational charts, including the one captured above, one sees that individuals with no connection to President Roh were appointed as chairpersons or directors. Furthermore, a common thread is that the periods in which they served as directors - as if planned - coincidentally coincided with the time they were planning to run in general or local elections.

There is a case where two in-law family members were appointed as directors, and one of them has a history of serving as the chairman of a Japanese far-right organization.

It is questionable how a man named Hee-doo Hwang who is said to be groomed by a crappy YouTuber - whose panels are mostly known to have Japanese connections - became a director of The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation when he has no connection whatsoever to President Roh.

As shown in the captured image below, the foundation even organized regional committees nationwide. Why did a presidential memorial foundation organize regional committees across the country, just like a political party?

It is considered the cause that they falsely named themselves a "Regional Committee," hired acquaintances and relatives as staff, and reached a point where operating expenses exceeded 60% of the total donations. It amounts to squandering hundreds of millions to billions of won on operating costs.

In fact, Presidential Memorial Foundations never hold events simultaneously across the country. If a memorial event for the President is held in a provincial area, it is sufficient for Foundation staff to travel back and forth to that region to prepare and execute it.

Therefore, it is natural to suspect that the chairperson or board members have been establishing local committees just like political parties, distributing donations under the guise of operating expenses, and securing personal gain in return. Their purpose is likely to use these funds as a support base when Foundation officials run for office; 

why do they embezzle donations from other foundation for their own political gain?

Questions must be asked whether the audit of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation was conducted fairly.

The purpose of the Foundation's external audit is to provide reliable accounting information to stakeholders, such as investors and creditors, by having accounting professionals independent from management audit the financial statements.

It appears that Seong-soo Bahc a former prosecutor has held the position to audit since February 2018; however, looking at his background, it is questionable whether he is truly qualified to audit the non-profit Roh Moo-hyun foundation.

Seong-soo Bahc (박성수) a former prosecutor and a politician, who is working as an auditor.

Even before assuming the role of auditor, he ran for office after receiving the Democratic Party's nomination, and it seems he concurrently served as the chairman of the Songpa Cultural Foundation after taking on the role. It is also difficult to understand how it is possible for the incumbent chairman of one foundation to serve as the auditor of another. Putting all that aside,

in principle, isn't the position of auditor one where holding concurrent employment should be prohibited for various reasons including conflicts of Interest?

Certificate of Incorporation - The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.

The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation is known to have been authorized as a non-profit corporation, and the scope of the corporation's business activities reported at the time of authorization is as follows:

• Memorial projects to maintain, inherit, and develop the values, philosophy, and achievements of President Roh Moo-hyun.
• Research and academic activities and support regarding the values, philosophy, and achievements of President Roh Moo-hyun.
• Training, international cooperation, public relations, and publications related to the foundation's objectives.

Looking at the business details, it was written as if its sole purpose was "public interest" projects related to President Roh Moo-hyun; however, the foundation, as observed by citizens, has operated as if it were an organization aimed at sales and entertainment businesses unrelated to President Roh.

The purpose of a non-profit foundation must be established for academic, religious, charitable, artistic, social, or other non-profit purposes. (Article 32 of the Civil Act)

※ "Non-profit business" refers to a business that does not aim to benefit the individual members, and does not mean only a business aimed at the public interest.

Business registration certificate. At the time of registration, its business purpose
reported by the founders of Roh Moo-hyun Foundation was mail-order sales.

The Foundation, which received approval for its incorporation on October 28, 2009, appears to have been authorized as a non-profit corporation under Article 32 of the Civil Act and the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and its affiliated agencies.

However, the business registration certificate disclosed by the Fair Trade Commission lists the purpose of business as mail-order sales. 

It appears that the foundation, whose primary object was to generate profit by exploiting President Roh's fame, has been posing as a non-profit corporation.

A capture of the 2024 financial report released by the foundation on the front page of its website.
The 2025 financial report (PDF file) is also currently available for download and reading.

The excerpt quoted below is from a post written by a citizen 

who examined the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's financial report.

"If the organizational operating expenses account for 60 to 65% of the work the Foundation does, isn't that too bloated?

Who are the people working at the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation?

It is somewhat puzzling that the budget for the research project on historical materials related to President Roh - which can be considered the foundation's primary objective - is approximately 190 million won, amounting to only 1.9% of the total expenditure.

In addition, the financial report states that approximately 340 million won was spent on the YouTube channel. I would like to know specifically which items (such as appearance fees and production costs) this budget was used for.

In particular, if this process includes costs related to the appearances of specific figures such as Si-min Yoo, Soo-jin Joh, and Hee-doo Hwang, an explanation regarding the criteria and methods of execution seems necessary.

I cannot help but raise fundamental questions about whether the content produced through the Foundation's YouTube channel truly aligns with the Foundation's founding principles and public interest objectives.

In particular, if sponsorship funds are being used not only for the production costs of the content but also for the political purposes of specific politicians, 

isn't this tantamount to betraying the expectations and trust of the sponsors?

If the foundation is operating in a structure that supports the broadcasting activities of a specific individual, it can only be seen as a reversal of purpose and means.

Regarding this matter, I believe that clear standards and a responsible explanation are absolutely necessary, rather than just a simple clarification."

President Roh Moo-hyun's grave.

The guy who designed the above grave is Hyo-sang Seung, known as a Japanese right-wing extremist, and is known to be very close to Seok-hyun Hong and Jae-in Moon, who are facing fierce criticism from Koreans for the crimes that damage the roots of the nation and destroy its foundation.

As mentioned earlier, President Roh's son-in-law recently held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center and announced plans to have those who post insulting, hateful or mocking comments about President Roh Moo-hyun punished through criminal prosecution. Many citizens wrote supportive comments on the video and post, and quite a few people are also continuing to request that President Roh's grave be relocated.

For unknown reasons, President Roh was not interred in the National Cemetery. His grave is covered with thick iron plates that have rusted from the rain, and stones have been driven into the ground to prevent even grass from being laid, making it impossible to plant a single tree. This has effectively made it difficult for President Roh's supporters who have made efforts to visit the grave to linger and spend time there during the scorching late spring through early autumn.

The reason many elders lament, asking what country on earth would choose such a secluded and remote site for a president's grave, covering it with thick steel plates and weighing it down with stones.

Many Koreans are urging lawmaker Gwak, President Roh's son-in-law, to make efforts to relocate the grave. Just as important and urgent as punishing criminals who wrote insulting and hateful comments through criminal prosecution is the demand to bury President Roh with the same respect shown to other former presidents.

Readers like you must have been surprised to learn that the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation is being operated in a suspicious and inexplicable manner, and you likely sympathized with the concerns of the Koreans who raised questions. 

I questioned a Korean editor who I frequently converse with how someone like Soo-jin Joh was able to obtain a lawyer's license. According to his explanation,

"The Japanese, who were able to maintain the money and power they had extorted from Koreans during the Japanese colonial period without losing them even after the end of the era thanks to the help of foreign political circles, are referred to as the vested interests in Korea.

This vested interest group is deeply connected to legal cartels, large corporations, and the political sphere, and exerts significant influence over them. Their descendants entered prestigious schools through unfair means and have lived enjoying special privileges.

Such individuals claim to have completed their education in South Korea, yet their Korean language skills are abysmal; they disregard Korean laws and rules and fail to follow the principles that members of society are expected to observe. Nevertheless, they brazenly commit illegal and unlawful acts because they know that they will not be punished."

Even in 2026, high-ranking pubic offices in South Korea are being filled by the descendants of those in power during the Japanese colonial era and the traitors loyal to them.

South Korea where election outcomes are decided in the hands of a select few vested interests because even the electoral system - the most crucial function of a democratic nation - is corrupt.

Corruption among high-ranking officials who bribe intellectuals with public funds is so rampant that there are only very small number of intellectuals left to even step forward and point out the corruption in the electoral system.

The problems displayed by the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation are issues occurring daily throughout Korean society, and corruption has become so rampant across the entire nation that criminals have reached a point where they represent the state and the government.

Now is the time for all Koreans to take action, confront the problem head-on, and rectify the grim reality facing the Republic of Korea in 2026, rather than evading it or passing the buck to others.