Seoul: The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has announced the launch of an ex-officio investigation into the tragic death of a Yangpyeong County official. This development follows reports that the official took his own life after being questioned by the special counsel investigating former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, three officials from the NHRCK visited the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki in downtown Seoul to formally notify them of the investigation. The probe is scheduled to continue until December 14 but may be extended if necessary.
The official, whose identity remains confidential, was discovered dead at his residence on October 10, eight days subsequent to the questioning by the special counsel. The investigation centered on allegations that Kim's family received improper benefits from a land development project in Yangpyeong, located approximately 45 kilometers east of Seoul.
The deceased official reportedly left behind 21 pages of handwritten notes alleging coercion and pressure from the investigators. However, Min's team has refuted these claims, asserting that the investigation was not coercive.
It is important to note that the NHRCK's ex-officio investigation differs from other investigative processes as it cannot enforce summonses or demand the submission of evidence, nor does it possess the authority to penalize those under investigation.