Relatives farewell father of dead Korean family

Kelly Yeon Sue Baek and Holly Yeon Jae Baek. Photo / Supplied

The funeral service of the father of a dead South Korean family was held this afternoon in Christchurch.

Young Jin Baek, 44, was found dead in the Christchurch suburb of Avonhead on Sunday morning, police said.

Police have confirmed he was the husband of Sung Eun Cho, 43, and father of Yeon Jae Baek, 17, known as Holly, and Yeon Sue Baek, 13, known as Kelly, who were found dead at their Apsley Drive home last Wednesday after Mrs Cho failed to keep an appointment.

Police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Today's private service was held at the family's Buddhist church in West Melton, west of Christchurch, The Press reported.

Mr Baek's sister and brother-in-law were at the service today with South Korean embassy officials and members of the local Korean community.

It was believed that the bodies of the four family members were cremated and would return with Mr Baek's family to South Korea.

South Korean embassy spokeswoman Monica Kang said the deaths were a terrible shock for many in the community.

Christchurch Korean Society president Kevin Park said last week Mr Baek lived in Korea, away from his wife and daughters, who had been in New Zealand for about five or six years.

He had arrived in New Zealand last Friday after he was contacted about the deaths.

The girls' school, St Andrew's College, was also planning a memorial service.

- NZPA