By Ryu Jin
Staff Reporter
President Roh Moo-hyun apologized to the nation Tuesday for the deaths of two farmers caused by riot policemen’s tough crackdown on a farmers’ rally to protest the nation’s wider opening of the rice market to foreign suppliers.

But he did not make clear whether National Policy Agency commissioner-general Huh Joon-young should resign, saying that he does not consider he is empowered to replace the chief police officer on his own.

Lee Kee-mook, chief superintendent general of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, resigned, taking responsibility for the violence inflicted on the activist farmers.

The minor opposition Democratic Labor Party said it will not cooperate with the ruling Uri Party in dealing with the government’s budget proposal for next year and other key pending bills, unless Huh, the top police officer, resigns.

``It is very regrettable that the two farmers died because of the excessive use of public power,’’ he said in a nationally televised press conference. ``I extend my sincere apologies to the people and pray for the souls of the deceased. I also express my condolences to the bereaved families.’’

While his statement was largely focused on his regret over the excessive use of public power and the responsibility of the government, Roh did not forget to express concerns about the violent cultures of the country’s street demonstrations.

``Had it not been for the violent protest that even involved iron bars, such a tragedy would not have occurred,’’ he lamented. ``The government will make efforts with civil society to map out proper measures to change the demonstration culture of the country.’’

Roh’s public apology came one day after the National Human Rights Commission announced that the two farmers, Chon Yong-chol and Hong Tok-pyo, are presumed to have died from injuries due to police brutality during the clash on Nov. 15.

The commission also recommended the punishment of working-level officers including the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Farmers have staged candlelight vigils for nearly a month demanding the replacement of Huh.

Huh, the top police officer, made a similar public apology in a separate news conference earlier in the day.

He said his agency accepts the judgment of the human rights protection panel. But he did not express his willingness accept the call to step down.

Thousands of farmers gathered in Yoido, Seoul, on Nov. 15 to hold a rally opposing the government’s decision to open the nation’s rice market wider to foreign competition. It turned violent and left many farmers as well as policemen wounded.

Chon, 43, of South Chungchong Province, collapsed at his home the day after the demonstration. He underwent brain surgery, but died six days later.

Farmers claimed his death was due to injuries inflicted by police, citing witness testimonies and photos taken at the scene.

But police, based on the results of an autopsy, said he died of a cerebral hemorrhage as a result of a fall instead of blows to the head by police.

As the farmers’ anger grew at the police response another victim has emerged. Hong, 68, who also sustained a serious wound during the rally also died after about a month of medical treatment. His case seemed much more clearly linked to police violence that was evident during the clash.

jinryu@koreatimes.co.kr