Deputy Chief of Lee Nak-yeon’s Office Found Dead While Under Prosecutors' Investigation Related to 'Optimus' (Comprehensive)

Lee Nak-yeon, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Lee Mo (54), deputy chief of the office of Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was under prosecution investigation regarding allegations of rent support for a multifunction printer at the party office by Optimus Asset Management, was found dead on the 3rd.

According to the police and prosecution, Lee's body was discovered around 9:15 p.m. that day by police searching a building near the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Earlier, after receiving a missing person report from the family, the police tracked Lee’s location through his mobile phone and found him. It is known that before his death, Lee apologized to his family by saying "I'm sorry," but no suicide note has been found yet.

Lee previously served as a political special advisor during Lee Nak-yeon’s tenure as governor of Jeollanam-do.

The Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission last month reported Lee and two others, including Lee Mo, to the prosecution for violating the Political Funds Act over allegations that Lee received monthly rent support of 115,000 KRW for a multifunction printer at the Jongno election office from Trust All, an affiliate of Optimus Asset Management, between February and May.

The police suspect that Lee took his own life and are investigating the exact circumstances of his death.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office stated, "The accused in the case reported by the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission was found dead at around 9:15 p.m. today. The deceased appeared at the Economic Crime Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office yesterday and was investigated with legal counsel present until 6:30 p.m. After dinner, the investigation was scheduled to resume, but his whereabouts were later unknown."

They added, "We deeply regret this incident and extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family."