The National Election Commission headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province [Yonhap]
The National Election Commission headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province [Yonhap]

The National Election Commission issued a statement Wednesday expressing deep regret over the death of one of its employees who had been under investigation by the Lee Tae-han special prosecutor team. "We deeply regret that the continued investigation caused extreme psychological burden and led to the loss of a precious life," the NEC said. It added that it takes the matter seriously and hopes the exact circumstances of the death will be confirmed promptly through the relevant authorities.

The NEC described the deceased as a dedicated and conscientious civil servant. "The late employee was a model for other civil servants, serving with sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility," it said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues who must be in deep shock and grief over this unexpected tragic news."

The commission also said it would continue to cooperate responsibly with necessary investigative procedures, while calling on the special prosecutor to ensure that the rights of NEC employees are not violated in the course of future investigations.

Earlier Wednesday, a man in his 40s identified only by his surname, a Grade 5 civil servant in the NEC's election infrastructure division, was found dead at around 7:06 a.m. in a flower bed outside an apartment building in Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. He had appeared before the special prosecutor team Tuesday as a suspect facing charges of bid rigging and breach of trust in the course of his duties.

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