South Korea has been a leading market for bitcoin over the last year or so in terms of adoption, trading volumes, and regulatory response. Now one of the top figures in the government associated with regulating cryptocurrency has passed away, with stress suspected to be a contributing cause.

South Korean Cryptocurrency Regulator

Jung Ki-joon, Head of the Economic Policy Coordination Office for the South Korean Government, has been found dead in his apartment in Seoul on Sunday morning. According to local reports he most likely passed away on Saturday night before his body was found by his family in the morning.

The official's death is considered to be a shocking development in Korea as the man was only 52 years old and wasn't known to be suffering from any life-threatening illnesses. Korean police forces have reportedly begun an investigation into the matter but the exact cause of his death cannot be confirmed until the police get a report from the coroner's office.