Ex-lawmaker tied to Kim Keon Hee nomination probe found dead

Jul 28, 2025, 01:53 pm

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A view of Pyeongtaek Police Station in Gyeonggi Province. / Source: Yonhap News

Choi Ho, a former Gyeonggi Province lawmaker under investigation over alleged nomination interference by former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, was found dead in a wooded area in Pyeongtaek early Monday.

According to police, Choi was reported missing around 2 a.m. on July 28. He was discovered deceased at 3:15 a.m. in a mountain area in Songtan-dong. No suicide note was found, and authorities have found no signs of foul play.

Choi was under prosecution investigation over his nomination as the ruling party's candidate for Pyeongtaek mayor in the 2022 local elections, despite trailing rival candidate Gong Jae-gwang in public opinion polls.

The independent counsel investigating Kim Keon Hee’s alleged role in nomination meddling issued a statement denying any involvement. “We had no contact whatsoever with Mr. Choi in connection to questioning or investigation, nor were there any plans to summon him,” the team said.

#Choi Ho #nomination interference #Kim Keon-hee