Head of regional culture promotion unit kills himself

The head of Jeonnam Cultural Industry Promotion Agency, suspected of embezzling employees’ salaries and receiving bribes from private firms, was found dead in an apparent suicide, Friday.

According to police, Kim Ki-hoon, 47, was found dead in his apartment in the southwestern city of Muan, South Jeolla Province, by one of the agency’s employee, surnamed Lee, early Friday morning.

Lee told police that he visited the apartment to check on Kim because he did not show up at the office.

Police said Kim apparently took his own life by inhaling fumes from burning brown coal, or lignite, on a barbecue grill at the apartment, adding no suicide note was found.

He has been heading the agency since July 2008 when it was launched by the South Jeolla Provincial Government as part of its efforts to help local businesses develop and commercialize a wide range of cultural content.

Kim has been under investigation on charges of embezzling employees’ wages and receiving money from private firms in return for favors.

Police suspect that he may have decided to commit suicide under mounting psychological pressure stemming from the investigation.

``We have never summoned him for questioning nor contacted him. We are now interviewing the agency’s employees and Kim’s family members to determine exactly why he killed himself,’’ a police officer said.