Alleged bank robber a former teacher

The toy gun used at a bank robbery in southern Seoul. / Yonhap

The suspect in a bank robbery in southern Seoul is a former teacher and a graduate of the nation's prestigious Seoul National University, Seocho police said Thursday.

They said the man, who escaped with 24 million won from a MG Community Credit Cooperative in Jamwon-dong, was a graduate of Seoul National University's College of Education and taught for two years at a Seoul middle school.

The suspect, identified only as Choi, 53, reportedly told police he did not fully disclose his school or career records because he was "embarrassed."

Choi allegedly threatened bank employees with a fake gun on July 20. He was caught six days later.

Police believe Choi may have committed the robbery because of a gambling addiction. Choi told police he went to the casino or racetrack at least two or three times a month.