Korean Job Discussion Forums

jack_daniels · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I have received two e-mails from the niece of a man who died under mysterious circumstances in Seoul.

The man's name was Matthew Sellers. He had been in Korea for 10 years but because of the anti-American sentiment here he had decided to leave. On the very day he was to leave Korea, he was detained by police. Hours later, he was dead in a nearby hospital.

There are a lot of question marks surrounding Matthew's death. If anyone has any information about this or knew Matthew Sellers, his family would appreciate any help you could give. If you e-mail me any information, I can pass it on to his niece and the lawyer they have hired.

Here is a link to the story that appeared in an American newspaper:

http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/1051608049128592.xml?birminghamnews?nmet

[email protected]

K-in-C · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Heading somewhere

Matthew's family are in my prayers. I sure hope the truth is found out and the person or people that did this horrific thing are found.

Sincerely,

Kate in Canada

igotthisguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2003 7:51 am Post subject:

>. That's a VERY interesting story. Teaches us all i suppose, no matter how long we've been here, we always gotta watch our step Shocked

Still, my sympathies go out to the guy & his family. While it's far from guaranteed, i hope there's an open & fair investigation. Having said this, although on the face of things it clearly does NOT reflect well on the overall integrity of Korea's police force, God only knows how he "died" Rolling Eyes

Makes me in fact kinda wonder, so who's it gonna be next ???

JC.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

This is not cool.

I really doubt the truth will be found out, as a lot of Koreans have their noses all bent out of shape when it comes to America and justice...

It looks like the Internet rumour mill is circulating about his death:

http://warliberal.com/mt/blog/archives/004921.html

(Someone speculating he died from SARS).

I did a search on Matthew and it looks like he spoke Korean very well and was active in a lot of things around Seoul.

http://english.metro.seoul.kr/talk/congress/house/list1_4_2001.cfm

(Matthew writes about the Subway in Seoul).

I have done a fairly extensive search about Matthew Sellers on the Net (English and Korean) and came up with only three hits regarding his death (two of which were on the same website).

I don't think we should read that the Korean media is "covering it up" because CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, etc. is not reporting it either.

I wonder if he used this board....

Ajarn Miguk · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Location: TDY As Assigned

Interesting his family would connect his death possibly to his being, "....a victim of anti-American sentiment." Sounds like some folks back home do read the newspapers and watch television.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

__________________________________________________
"This time chooses to pass on the pizza with corn on it."

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

Well, here is an update:

I asked my girlfriend to find out information on this situation and she said she knows Matthew Sellers.

It turns out, I did too! Several months ago in Coex mall, we bumped into him, and my girlfriend recognized him from being on TV.

Now more than ever I want to know what happened to him....

cubase · Joined: 28 Apr 2003

weened · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2003 4:34 pm Post subject:

I also find it a little suspicious that everytime the Korean police deal with a public murder/death they always label the victim/perpetrator as "mentally ill." While I'm sure that in some cases it might be true I find their credibility quickly eroding everytime I hear this in their official statement. And while cubase may have a point, the way in which this situation was handled is obviously a little shady. I'll be very curious to find out the "truth."

inkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

If what said is true, i.e. the victim is a victim of anti Americanism, I HOPE THAT THAT LAWYER FROM AMERICA GETS THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MATTHEW SELLERS DEATH; THAT INCLUDES THE POLICE, THE DOCTORS AND OTHERS INDIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE! Exclamation

My prayers go out to Matthews family. I'm certain that the Lord is looking after him now. I know that God will punish those who wrongfully kill a person,so, in either way, Matthew and his family will have their day of justice.

Peace to all. Very Happy

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

cubase wrote:

jack_daniels · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

What I find suspicious is this: A "police officer at the scene has been on vacation since the incident" and could not be reached for comment. Coincidence? It seems to be a common thing to avoid questioning in Korea. If a man dies under suspicious circumstances I would think the police officer's vacation would not matter. He should have to answer questions anyway.

igotthisguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2003 7:10 pm Post subject:

>. Cubase ...

Hey, welcome to DAVE's ESL. Seems you joined a mere two days ago. Super !!! You an English teacher yourself ???

Good to see as well how (right off the bat) you've taken a such personal interest in the highly suspicious circumstances surrounding Matthew Sellers' tragic & untimely demise. This kind of positive support is definately the kind it's essential newbies come & offer.

Hope to see you around actively posting on all the other teacher related threads Wink

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Curious: Captain Obvious hasn't posted in a while.

Then again, I think he is (was?) Canadian.

Based on the length of his stay in Korea, I'd be VERY surprised if Matthew had never used this forum.

Sparkles*_* (has Johnnie Cochran on line 2)

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land