By Andrew Kariuki

A South Korean judge who recently increased the prison sentence of former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been found dead, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

Judge Shin Jong-o was discovered unconscious at the Seoul High Court building at around 1:00 a.m., according to police in Seocho district. He was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said there were no immediate signs of foul play surrounding the incident.

Local media reports claimed the judge may have left a suicide note, although investigators later stated that no such note had been found.

Last month, Shin presided over the appeal case involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, 53, where he found her guilty of stock manipulation and bribery. He increased her prison sentence from 20 months to four years after overturning part of a lower court’s ruling.

During the judgment, Shin said Kim had “failed to acknowledge her culpability and has instead consistently resorted to excuses.”

The ruling attracted widespread public and political attention in South Korea due to Kim’s high-profile status and the sensitive nature of the corruption allegations.

Police said the judge’s family was deeply affected by the incident and requested privacy as investigations continue.

The case remains one of South Korea’s most closely watched political and judicial developments in recent months.