Seoul police probe death of a popular entertainer

Ahn Jae-hwan

Well-known male entertainer Ahn Jae-hwan, 36, was found dead at around 9 a.m. yesterday inside his car near his residence in Nowon District, northeastern Seoul, police said.

The Nowon Police Precinct reported that the entertainer, whose real name is Ahn Gwang-seong, suffocated inside his Kia Carnival van.

He was known as a smart entertainer, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University, the nation’s most prestigious school. Ahn also won far more fame when he married popular gagwoman Chung Seon-hee, 36, in November 2007.

According to police officers, there were two charred charcoal briquets, a three-page note and two empty bottles of soju in his locked car.

Police said his body was found by a passerby. Police broke the window and transported Ahn to a local hospital.

“We can’t find any external wounds on his body. We think that he committed suicide,” said a police officer who asked not to be named.

“We don’t know when he died, but we guess that he died at least several days ago because his body had already started to decompose.”

The officer added, “The National Institute of Scientific Investigation will perform an autopsy on the body to confirm the cause of death.”

Several weeks prior to his death, many rumors circulated about the star couple after Ahn disappeared, missing two tapings of his scheduled shows. His death shocked Ahn’s family members and friends.

His widow, Chung, yesterday canceled her radio and TV schedules. Many fans were also in grief.

“I liked his smile on TV. I can’t believe he’s dead,” said 30-year-old Lee Hyeong-tae of Seoul. “I pray for the repose of the deceased.”

His death was mourned at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Taeneung, Nowon District yesterday. Many entertainers attended services to express their condolences.

By Park Sang-woo Staff Reporter [spark@joongang.co.kr]