SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, May 30, 2009 (AFP) - South Korean newspapers Saturday called on politicians to reflect on their own conduct in the wake of former president Roh Moo-Hyun's decision to commit suicide rather than face corruption allegations.

'It's an extraordinary thing... for a former president to take his own life. Politicians must contemplate deeply over what brought about this death and pool their wisdom to cure the problems,' the JoongAng Ilbo said. Roh, who held office from 2003 until 2008, committed suicide near his retirement village last Saturday. He was cremated Friday and his remains taken to his retirement home in Bongha early Saturday.

Some five million people visited altars over the week to pay their respects to Roh and 180,000 people joined his funeral procession in Seoul Friday. Chosun Daily, South Korea's largest newspaper, said it had become almost routine for South Korean presidents, their relatives and associates to be sent to prison for corruption once they left office.

Roh was the third former South Korean president to be questioned on corruption charges after leaving office. He denied the allegations, which centred on payments to members of his family, and had not been charged. 'Efforts must be made to find ways to break this vicious cycle,' the conservative Chosun said, pointing out that Roh was still president only 15 months ago.

The state prosecution was obsequious to those in power and cruelly turned on them with a vengeance only once they had left office, it said. '(The incumbent) President Lee Myung-Bak must embrace the people who are now hurt, mournful and angry,' Chosun said, urging Lee to open dialogue with his political opponents.

Critics also said prosecutors turned the investigation into Roh's alleged corruption into a national circus by leaking details to the media about humiliating allegations even before they had secured evidence.

The independent Kyunghyang Daily, however, praised Roh for his dedication to human rights, democracy and reform.

'We are obliged to succeed his dreams. For this purpose, those in power must look into themselves... They must repent deeply,' Kyunghyang said. The English-language Korea Times said Roh's death should serve as a 'catalyst' for reform.