By Lee Hyo-sik
A 54-year-old professor of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), identified only by his surname Park, was found dead at his residence in Daejon, Sunday. A bandage was tied around his neck, according to the police.
After discovering Park whose body was found hanging from a gas pipe in the kitchen, his wife called the police. She said she came to the house as her husband could not be reached over the weekend. Park always came to Seoul and spent the weekend with his family, the wife told police.
Park’s suicide note was found at the scene, addressed to his wife. It read ``Take good care of the children. I am sorry. I love you.’’
A police officer at Daejon Dunsan Police Station said Park’s suicide did not appear to have anything to do with a series of recent suicides by KAIST students because he did not mention them. ``We are currently questioning the bereaved family members about what might have prompted Park to take his own life.’’
The incident came at a time when one of Korea’s elite universities was under siege, following a series of suicides by its students. In less than four months, four KAIST students have taken own lives, mainly due to intense pressure for academic excellence.