Judge in First Lady Kim Keon-hee's Appeal Trial Found Dead; Suicide Note Found

A somber cloud hangs over the South Korean judiciary following the discovery of Judge Shin Jong-oh, the presiding judge in the appeal trial of First Lady Kim Keon-hee, found dead at the Seoul High Court. Judge Shin, 55, was discovered deceased on the morning of May 6th at the court premises. Police are treating the death as a probable suicide, citing preliminary findings from CCTV footage and the discovery of a brief note expressing apologies.

“

I am sorry, I am leaving on my own.

Judge Shin had been handling the appeal case involving allegations against Kim Keon-hee, including stock price manipulation related to Deutsch Motors and receiving a Chanel bag from the Unification Church. In a recent ruling on April 28th, he overturned some of the first trial's acquittals, finding Kim guilty of stock manipulation and accepting the Chanel bag, sentencing her to four years in prison. This decision significantly increased the sentence from the first trial's one year and eight months.

“

As of now, no criminal suspicion has been found, and we will continue to investigate the circumstances of the case.

Colleagues described Judge Shin as a principled and diligent professional, known for his expertise in criminal trials and his integrity. Despite the immense pressure associated with high-profile cases, he was reportedly not one to outwardly express difficulties. However, some noted the significant increase in workload for the criminal division, particularly with the handling of sensitive cases and the establishment of a new division for rebellion-related trials, which may have contributed to the demanding environment.

“

He was an expert in criminal trials who had handled them for a long time, and he worked diligently without shirking his duties. He had excellent character and was highly respected among his seniors and juniors.

This tragic event casts a shadow over the ongoing legal proceedings and raises questions about the pressures faced by judges in South Korea, especially those handling politically sensitive cases. The Dong-A Ilbo, reflecting on the situation, notes the judge's reputation for upholding principles and his dedication to his work, while also acknowledging the demanding nature of his recent caseload. The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing.

“

He usually doesn't show when he's having a hard time, but the workload of Criminal Division 15 was significant due to the concentration of special prosecution cases and the establishment of a rebellion-dedicated trial court.