Senior prosecutor attempts suicide

By Park Si-soo

Chung Seung-myeon / Yonhap

A senior prosecutor was found unconscious in a toxic smoke-filled room on Tuesday in an apparent attempt to kill himself, police said Tuesday.

Chung Seung-myeon is being treated at a hospital in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province. His condition is not life-threatening, Yonhap reported, citing hospital staff. The reason for his suicide attempt is unknown.

Chung, head of the prosecution’s branch office in Gimcheon, was found on the floor of his residence about 9:30 a.m. His secretary told police he visited the residence because Chung didn’t come to the office on time and he didn’t receive a phone call. When found, Chung’s room was filled with choking smoke from a burned charcoal briquette on the floor, police said.

Branch officials told police that Chung “drank a lot” last night.

Chung was to have a farewell ceremony on Feb. 2 before moving to a newly assigned position in Daegu.