Former Cheongdo-gun chief Kim Ha-su found dead in hills

Kim Ha-su, the former chief of Cheongdo-gun in North Gyeongsang Province, was found dead Monday in hills near Cheongdo-eup.

A fire department official discovered Kim's body in the hills near Cheongdo-eup on Monday morning, according to the North Gyeongsang Province fire department and police.

Kim had been under police investigation over allegations of irregularities related to personnel appointments during his tenure.

A close aide implicated in the same personnel misconduct allegations recently died by suicide, and some others connected to the case had been taken into detention.

Kim had sought a second term in last month's local elections under a People Power Party nomination but was defeated.

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.