Prominent S. Korea politician found dead in possible suicide
SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — A prominent liberal South Korean politician embroiled in a corruption scandal was found dead on Monday, police said, in what appeared to be one of the country’s highest-profile suicides in recent years.
The body of three-term lawmaker Roh Hoe-chan of the small opposition Justice Party was found near a Seoul apartment building. Police said they believe Roh, 61, leapt to his death from the building after leaving a suicide note.
“Dear fellow citizens, I’m sorry. It’s entirely my fault, so please punish me and I’d like you to continue to support the Justice Party,” Roh said in a note addressed to party members. He said he accepted 40 million won ($36,260) in 2016, but without granting any political favours in return.
South Korean media reported that Roh wrote two other suicide notes to his family but their contents weren’t made public.