Police Investigate Colleague Found Dead After Unauthorized Absence in 'Saengsubyung Incident'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] In connection with an incident where two employees at a company office in Seocho-gu, Seoul lost consciousness after drinking water from a bottled water container, the police have booked a colleague, Mr. A, who was found dead at his home after unauthorized absence from work.

The Seocho Police Station in Seoul announced on the 21st that Mr. A was booked yesterday on charges of special injury and is under investigation.

According to the police, on the afternoon of the 18th, two employees, a man and a woman, at a company in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, collapsed after drinking water from a bottled water container placed on the office desk. The female employee has been discharged from the hospital, but the male employee is still reported to be unconscious.

Mr. A was absent without leave the day after the incident and was found dead at his home. A substance suspected to be poison was found at Mr. A’s residence. The police found no signs suggesting homicide when Mr. A was discovered and believe he took his own life.

The police are conducting a witness investigation with the female employee who regained consciousness and have requested a detailed analysis of the bottled water and the suspected poison substance from the National Forensic Service. Mr. A’s mobile phone is also undergoing forensic examination to check for any search records related to poison.

Although there is no prosecutorial right since Mr. A is already deceased, it appears he was booked to clarify the facts of the case. A police official stated, "After booking him as a suspect, we plan to thoroughly investigate computer usage records, bank accounts, and other details to uncover the motive and circumstances of the crime."