world
Judge in Kim Keon Hee Corruption Appeal Found Dead Near Seoul High Court
The presiding judge in the appeals trial of former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee was discovered dead near the Seoul High Court early Wednesday. Police are investigating the incident as a possible suicide after finding a note at the scene. The death follows the court's recent decision to increase Kim's prison sentence for corruption charges.
SC
South China Morning PostAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The presiding judge of former first lady Kim Keon Hee's appeals trial on corruption charges was found dead near a Seoul court early Wednesday. Police discovered judge Shin Jong-o's body on a flower bed near the Seoul High Court compound in southern Seoul. , according to officials.
A suicide note was apparently found at the scene. Police are investigating the exact cause of Shin Jong-o's death, including the possibility of him jumping to his death. Shin Jong-o presided over the appellate trial of Kim Keon Hee at the Seoul High Court.
Kim Keon Hee is the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim Keon Hee was convicted by a lower court in January. Last month, the appellate court raised Kim Keon Hee's sentence to four years from 20 months in prison.
The appellate court found Kim Keon Hee partially guilty of involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. The appellate court also found Kim Keon Hee guilty of accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church.
