Japanese media are actively covering the death of former president Roh Moo-hyun.

Broadcaster NHK has sent its Seoul correspondent to Roh’s hometown of Bongha to cover in detail the atmosphere of the town and the funeral proceedings.

In particular, NHK reported that large numbers of citizens and politicians paid their respects to the former president.

Leading Japanese dailies, including the Yomiuri Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun, focused their reports on the reason Seoul decided to conduct a government-organized funeral for Roh.

Yomiuri said the South Korean government apparently opted for a government-organized funeral to mitigate possible public anger.