Former Cheongdo-gun chief found dead amid personnel misconduct probe

Kim Ha-su, the former chief of Cheongdo-gun in North Gyeongsang Province who lost his reelection bid in last month's local elections, has been found dead.

Fire department personnel discovered Kim's body Monday morning on a hillside in Cheongdo-eup while conducting a search, according to police.

He had been under police investigation on charges of personnel misconduct during his time in office.

Recently, a close aide implicated in the same allegations died by suicide, and others connected to the case were taken into detention.

Kim had run for reelection in last month's local elections as a People Power Party candidate but lost to independent candidate Park Gwon-hyeon.

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline 1393, available 24/7. Please request a translator for English-language services.