SEOUL: A South Korean judge, Shin Jong-o, who recently increased the prison sentence of former first lady Kim Keon Hee from 20 months to four years, was found dead early Wednesday morning, May 6, 2026, at the Seoul High Court building. Investigators reported that Shin was discovered unconscious around 1 a.m. and later pronounced dead at the hospital. They stated there are no indications of foul play in his death.

Last month, Judge Shin presided over Kim Keon Hee's appeal trial, where he found her guilty of stock manipulation and bribery. This ruling came after a previous lower court acquitted her of the stock manipulation charges. During the sentencing, Shin remarked that Kim had "failed to acknowledge her culpability and has instead consistently resorted to excuses.”

Local media initially suggested that Shin left a suicide note, but the police confirmed no such note was found. The judge's family expressed their deep grief over the situation and requested privacy during this difficult time.

The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the high-profile nature of those involved but also because it reflects broader issues of accountability and justice in South Korea.