Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon left behind an apologetic note before he disappeared and was later found dead in the woods.
The 64-year-old leader of South Korea’s capital was first reported missing on Thursday after he didn’t show up to work, and his daughter, Park Da-in, told authorities he left a concerning, “will-like” phone message. His body was discovered hours later after the start of a massive manhunt involving hundreds of police officers.
Although no cause of death has been released, police have said there are no indications of foul play, according to South Korea-based Yonhap News Agency. His death came a day after a former female secretary filed a criminal complaint against him alleging sexual misconduct. Following the death, officials released a note on Friday that Park left in his official residence prior to his disappearance.
“I feel sorry to all people. I thank everyone who has been with me in my life,” Park wrote, according to the South Korean government. “I am always sorry to my family because I’ve given them only pains. Please cremate my body and scatter around the graves of my parents.”
Seoul’s city government announced Friday that Park will receive a mayoral funeral that will last five days, as opposed to the three days that most funerals in the country typically last. The city government is also planning to set up an altar near City Hall for those mourning the three-term mayor’s sudden death.
“We pray for the soul of the deceased and extend our deepest condolences to the citizens [of Seoul]. City affairs will firmly continue according to Mayor Park Won-soon’s values that prioritized stability and welfare,” said Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Seo Jeong-hyup, who will serve as acting mayor following Park’s death.
Park was a well-known politician and human rights lawyer who was first elected mayor of Seoul in 2011. He is the first mayor of Seoul to be elected to serve three terms and was considered a potential presidential candidate in the country’s 2022 elections.
United States Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris addressed Park’s death on Twitter, offering his sympathies to the city and Park’s family.
“Saddened to learn about the death of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. My condolences to his family and to the people of Seoul during this difficult time,” Harris said.
Saddened to learn about the death of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. My condolences to his family and to the people of Seoul during this difficult time.
— Harry Harris (@USAmbROK) July 10, 2020
A by-election to choose a new mayor of South Korea’s largest city is slated to be held in April 2021.
