Korea Institute for National Unification [Yonhap]
Korea Institute for National Unification [Yonhap]

A researcher in his 20s who worked on a contract basis at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-funded think tank, was found dead. The institute said it would form an investigation committee to thoroughly determine the cause of his death.

The institute said in a press release Wednesday that a project researcher who had been employed there since Aug. 18 took his own life Tuesday.

"In consultation with the bereaved family, an investigation committee composed of both internal and external members will conduct a thorough inquiry, leaving no question unanswered," the institute said, adding that it would "fulfill all responsibilities required based on the findings."

The researcher, identified only by his surname Lee, was found dead Tuesday, according to the institute and other sources. A former military officer who had completed a master's degree in North Korean studies, Lee joined the institute as an assistant researcher about three months ago and was formally hired as a full researcher on Aug. 14.

Family members and acquaintances say Lee had been subjected to persistent criticism and pressure from a superior after being assigned to a new project.

A roommate said Lee had expressed fear about going to work every day for the two weeks before his death. "He would say things like, 'I'm scared to go to the office,'" the roommate said. "From the very first day, his superior made remarks like, 'Mistakes are unacceptable,' and, 'If you mess up here, don't even think about setting foot in the North Korean studies field ever again.'"

Lee's father said his son, who rarely showed signs of distress, told him during a phone call Monday that he had been "torn apart all day today" and was struggling.

Family members and acquaintances believe a 30-minute, 39-second phone call Lee had with his superior at 9 p.m. Monday contributed to his death.

"For 30 to 40 minutes, he kept saying, 'I was wrong. It's because I'm lacking. It's my fault,' and was practically begging," the roommate said. "He endured the hardships of military service, so it doesn't make sense to me that he would make such a choice in just two weeks."

Korea Institute for National Unification President Kwon Man-hak attended the funeral service Thursday, delivered a eulogy and pledged to uncover the truth and prevent a recurrence.

"This is no small tragedy, not only for the Korea Institute for National Unification but at the national level," Kwon said in his eulogy, bowing his head. "We will take every possible measure to ensure this never happens again."

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.


bbo@heraldcorp.com