Former South Korean military intelligence chief found dead after controversy

A former South Korean military intelligence chief has been found dead in a possible suicide.

Former Defense Security Command head Gen. Lee Jae-su was being investigated for allegedly ordering the illegal surveillance of families of people killed in a 2014 ferry sinking.

The disaster killed more than 300 people, mostly high school students, and touched off widespread criticism of the government.

Police say Lee's body was found near a Seoul building on Friday.

Yonhap news agency says Lee appeared to have jumped to his death and that a suicide note was found.

The Defense Ministry had no immediate comment.

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries. A string of business executives, K-pop stars and other celebrities have killed themselves in recent years.