Actor Jo Min-ki, who was recently involved in the #MeToo Movement as the offender, died on March 9. He was found by his wife in the storage room in the basement of his apartment at approximately 4 p.m, KST.

Jo Min-ki dies at the age of 53. His wife called 911 immediately after she found him, but Jo Min-ki had died by the time he arrived at the hospital. They performed CPR while he was being transferred, but the hospital declared his death around 5:20 p.m.

The police say it is likely that he committed a suicide, but they were still investigating to confirm what exactly happened. The official statement said, “since it is a sensitive subject, we will state our official position as soon as the investigation is over.” The on-site inspection finished approximately at 6:30 p.m. The place was screened to block the entrance of citizens and reporters.

The building was found to be the address on Jo Min-ki’s resident registration card, where he actually resided. His neighbors reported, “I saw Jo Min-ki in the elevator a week ago. His hat was covering half of his face. He looked very exhausted. I used to say hello to him.”

Jo Min-ki did not leave any last words. However, he contacted his friends and delivered his apology on the day of his death. His funeral will be held at Konkuk University Medical Center. The center said that “the family feels overwhelmed by the reporters,” and moved out the reporters to the hallway.

The investigation about the sexual assault allegations made against him will come to an end. Chungcheongbuk-do Police Agency said, “because of Jo Min-ki’s death, the investigation ends due to non-complainance.”

Meanwhile, Dispatch released a hand-written letter that Jo Min-ki sent in on February 26. Jo sent the letter asking Dispatch to release it, but Dispatch had denied his wishes. They told him to release it through his agency or Cheongju University, but he had already been removed from both places.

In the letter, Jo said, “everything is my fault and I’m responsible. Everything spread like wildfire so suddenly, and I had become so busy at avoiding and denying things. I had to become a strict professor to guide the students who had begun the difficult journey of becoming actors and actresses. Thus, I tried to make up for it in casual gatherings. I sincerely apologize for the students who felt humiliation and shame because of me. I also thank you for helping me to realize my arrogance and wrongdoing.”

Original Article (1), (2), (3)
Translated by Dasol Kim

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