Artist-Owner of Sewol Ferry Found Dead

Most wanted: Yoo Byung-eun and his eldest son, Dae-gyun

 

South Korean officials announced on Tuesday that they have found what they believe to be the body of billionaire Sewol ferry owner and artist, Yoo Byung-eun, according to the AFP. The ferry sank in April killing nearly 300 people, many of them school children on their way to a class trip on the island of Jeju.

According to the report, the body in question was found last month in a plum field 186 miles south of Seoul. It was identified as that of 73-year-old Yoo Byung-eun using DNA analysis, which compared that of the corpse to that of Yoo’s older brother. Police cautioned that the conclusion was only preliminary at this time but were confident enough in their findings to go to the press.

As artnet News previously reported, The elusive businessman nicknamed “the millionaire with no face,” is considered one of the main individuals responsible for the ferry disaster. He also happens to be a nature photographer who works under the pseudonym of Ahae (“Child” in Korean). His photos have been shown in Versailles and the Louvre.

On his website he has posted video interviews with the likes of Louvre director Henri Loyrette and President of Versailles Catherine Pegard waxing lyrical about the photographer’s talent. Visitors on the site are also treated to two slideshows, showing some of his pictures accompanied by a meditative soundtrack.

He was charged with embezzlement, tax evasion, and breach of trust following the disaster. It was also feared that he could flee South Korea and destroy incriminating evidence. A reward of 50 million Korean won ($48,775) was placed on any information leading to his arrest.


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