Judge in Kim Keon Hee case found dead

May 06, 2026, 10:59 am

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An appellate ruling hearing in the case involving Kim Keon Hee is held at the Seoul High Court on April 28. / Seoul High Court

A senior judge who presided over the appellate trial involving Kim Keon Hee was found dead early on May 6, police said, adding that no signs of foul play have been identified.

According to authorities, Shin Jong-oh, a presiding judge at the Seoul High Court, was discovered near the Seoul court complex around 1 a.m. after a report was received shortly before midnight. He was transported to a hospital but was later confirmed dead.

Police said they are investigating the exact circumstances of his death, but no criminal suspicion has been found so far.

A note discovered at the scene reportedly contained an apology, stating “I’m sorry.” However, officials said the note did not include any references to the appellate ruling involving Kim.

Shin had led the appellate panel handling charges against Kim, including allegations of stock manipulation in the Deutsche Motors case and illicit benefits linked to a religious organization.

On April 28, the court sentenced Kim to four years in prison, more than doubling the initial sentence of one year and eight months handed down in the first trial.

Shin, 55, was a graduate of Seoul National University and passed the national bar exam in 1995. He completed judicial training in 1998 and served in various judicial positions, including at district courts and high courts across the country, as well as a judicial researcher at the Supreme Court.

Authorities said further details will be released as the investigation continues.

#Kim Keon Hee #Shin Jong-oh #judge death #Seoul High Court #Deutsche Motors