Beomeo-sa monk found hanged

A Beomeo-sa monk has been found hanged in eastern coast town of Sokcho, Gangwon Province, casting suspicion that he may be linked to the arson of the temple on Dec. 15.

Police in Busan said that a 48-year-old monk, identified as Yeo in family name, was found dead around 2 p.m. Monday at a motel room in Nohak-dong.

Yeo has left no suicide notes but his address was confirmed as Beomeo-sa, Cheongyong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, on his resident card, a police officer said, adding that the temple also confirmed him as the monk from the temple.

Yeo was checked to have stayed in Gwangsan Temple in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, in the trace of his cellphone calls on Dec. 15, when the main gate of the temple was set aflame, according to the police.

“So far, there has been no evidence that he is involved in the arson in the initial probe,” the police officer said. “But we are still investigating his suicide further.”