[KVOLUTION]

U.S. President Barack Obama Saturday expressed his condolences to South Koreans for the death of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, praising him for his role in enhancing bilateral ties.

"I was saddened by the news of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea," Obama was quoted as saying in a statement by Yonhap News Agency. "During his tenure, President Roh contributed to the strong and vital relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the government of the United States, I offer my condolences to his family and to the Korean people."

Roh jumped to his death early Saturday morning while hiking with a body guard in his hometown of Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. His family's lawyer said Roh left behind a suicide note.

The former president, who finished his five-year term early last year, had been under investigation for alleged bribe-taking in a multi-million dollar scandal that has surrounded members of his family.

Roh had maintained that he was not aware that his wife had taken money from a wealthy businessman while in office.

In the suicide note, Roh said he was "sorry for having caused so much pain to others," asking for his body to be cremated and for a small monument to be erected in his hometown.

The South Korean government has not yet made a decision on whether to hold a state funeral or if there should be only a family funeral.