Seoul: Former three-term lawmaker Chang Je-won, who was under investigation for sexual assault allegations, was found dead in eastern Seoul, according to police Tuesday. Chang, a former member of the ruling People Power Party, was discovered at his personal office in Gangdong Ward at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a police officer reported that there were "no signs of foul play" at the scene, suggesting that his death was likely a suicide. However, an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. A note, presumably written by Chang, was found at the scene, conveying a message about his family.
Chang had been under investigation for allegations that he sexually assaulted his former secretary in 2015, during his tenure as a vice president of a university in Busan. He had denied these allegations, including during police questioning last Friday.
On Monday, the former secretary provided evidence to the police, including a video reportedly filmed inside a hotel room in Gangnam Ward on the day of the alleged incident. In the video, a man who appears to be Chang is seen asking her for water and allegedly forcing himself upon her.
The former secretary's lawyer had planned to hold a press conference on Tuesday morning to elaborate on the reasons for her police complaint but canceled it upon learning of Chang's death. With his passing, it is likely that the police will close the investigation into the sexual assault allegations without filing charges.
Chang was known to be a close confidant of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, having served as his chief of staff when Yoon was president-elect.