REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEOUL -- An ethnic Korean clergyman with Chinese nationality has been found dead in a northeastern Chinese town close to the border with North Korea, a North Korea watcher said on Sunday, raising suspicions that the North could possibly be involved in his death.

The body of the priest, identified by his surname Han and known for his activities in support of North Korean defectors, was found Saturday afternoon, the watcher said, speculating that he may have been murdered.

Chinese police have immediately launched a probe into Han's death.

Han is known for serving at Changbai Church in Changbai County, Jilin Province, a region that is populated by the Chaoxian people, or ethnic Koreans living in China.

"Han had been active in supporting North Korean defectors," the watcher said. "Murder seems the most likely cause of his death."

The watcher, however, denied having conclusive information linking Han's death to North Korean involvement.

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