The judge presided over Kim Geon-hee's appeal in a stock manipulation case and was found with a note expressing regret
Category: Local News
Shin Jong-o (신종오), a judge at the Seoul High Court, was found dead early on May 6, 2026, near the court building, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Police received a report around midnight and discovered the 55-year-old judge at approximately 1 a.m. in an outdoor flowerbed on the lower rooftop of the courthouse.
Authorities reported that a brief handwritten note was found at the scene, which expressed sentiments of apology but did not contain any details related to the trial he was overseeing. The police have stated that they do not suspect any criminal activity related to his death and are treating it as a typical case of accidental death.
Judge Shin was the presiding judge of the appellate court for the high-profile case involving Kim Geon-hee (김건희), the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열). He had been overseeing the appeal concerning allegations of stock manipulation connected to Deutsche Motors, among other charges, and had delivered a verdict just days before his death.
On April 28, 2026, Judge Shin's court ruled on the appeal, which concluded with a sentence of four years in prison and a fine of 50 million won (approximately $38,000) for Kim Geon-hee. This sentence marked a substantial increase from the initial ruling of one year and eight months handed down by a lower court. The appellate court found her guilty of violating the Capital Markets Act and receiving illicit funds related to the Unification Church, among other charges.
The appellate judges found that Kim had engaged in actions constituting stock price manipulation, reversing the earlier not guilty verdict. The court's decision also included the forfeiture of a necklace valued at 62.2 million won (around $48,000) and an additional financial penalty of 20.94 million won (approximately $16,000). This ruling has drawn considerable public attention, particularly due to its implications for high-profile political figures.
Shin Jong-o was appointed as a judge in 2001 and had a distinguished career, holding various positions including judge at the Seoul District Court, research judge at the Supreme Court, and judge at the Daegu High Court. He was recognized as an outstanding judge by the Seoul Bar Association in 2023, highlighting his reputation within the legal community.
In addition to the stock manipulation case, Shin was involved in several notable rulings, including a controversial decision on the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors, which was deemed improper by the National Human Rights Commission. His death has sparked speculation online, with some discussing the pressures faced by judges in high-stakes cases.
As news of Judge Shin's death spread, many expressed their condolences and concerns about mental health issues faced by legal professionals. The police have urged anyone struggling with similar feelings to seek help through suicide prevention hotlines available in South Korea.
Shin's passing raises questions about the judicial system's handling of high-profile cases and the emotional toll on those who preside over them. The case involving Kim Geon-hee is expected to continue, as both she and the special prosecutor's team have filed appeals to the Supreme Court against the appellate court's ruling.
As the investigation into Judge Shin's death continues, the legal community and the public will follow closely closely for developments. The next steps in Kim Geon-hee's case are scheduled as the Supreme Court prepares to review the appeals submitted by both parties.