Autopsy Scheduled for Actress Choi

Police said yesterday that they are trying to come up with the exact reasons why actress Choi Jin-shil committed suicide.

“While continuing to question related people, we will trace her past activities, including examining her cell phone records,” a police source said.

“Choi was tormented by malicious rumors on the suicide of actor Ahn Jae-hwan,” said one of Choi’s acquaintances questioned in the morning.

Police said, “Choi’s mother and aunt are denying rumors that she was involved in money lending,” but added a probe will investigate the rumors.

Despite opposition from Choi’s family, police plan an autopsy to find the exact cause of death.

The Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office requested a search warrant to conduct the postmortem, which they plan to carry out at Kangnam St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul.

“The wishes of the bereaved family are important, but the autopsy is a must to find the exact cause of death in light of the numerous suspicions raised,” said a prosecution official.

Police said Choi’s death was likely related to her depression she had suffered since 2003. Her family said she increased her dose of tranquilizers after a recent outbreak of online attacks against her.

“If Choi’s family requests so, we will also investigate malicious Internet comments since they drove a person to death,” said an officer.

alwaysj@donga.com