Court Logo [Yonhap News]

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae visited the mourning hall of Judge Shin Jong-oh of the Seoul High Court (55, 27th graduating class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, equivalent to a chief district court judge), who was found dead at the courthouse early on the 6th, to pay his respects.

Chief Justice Cho arrived at the mourning hall set up at the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Hall in Seocho-gu around 7:43 PM that day to express his condolences.

Chief Justice Cho, who left about two hours later at 10:07 PM, did not offer separate remarks when asked about his feelings by reporters.

Colleagues and legal professionals continued to visit the mourning hall throughout the day.

Judges expressed their bewilderment at the news of Judge Shin, who had been diligently handling trials as usual just a few days prior.

Judge Shin, who had served as a judge for 25 years, was known for his meticulous work ethic, bordering on principled, and was highly respected by both senior and junior colleagues.

A senior judge at the High Court said, "He was a truly humble person with a perfectionist tendency. He used to work all day, even on weekends and holidays."

A chief judge remarked, "The shock among judges is immense. He was a diligent worker with a good character..." trailing off.

Chief Justice Cho is known to have postponed his dinner schedule with executives from the Court Administration and Judicial Policy Planning Office, originally planned for this week, as a gesture of mourning.

In consideration of the bereaved family's wishes, the Seoul High Court is refraining from any public statements regarding this incident and is focusing solely on providing funeral support.

"The shock is too great, making it difficult to say anything," said an official from the Seoul High Court. While it is known that Judge Shin left a suicide note with words to the effect of 'I am sorry,' the exact reasons have not been disclosed to date.

However, it is reported that Judge Shin had recently expressed difficulties to those around him due to an increasing workload.

It is also true that trial schedules have become tight due to the introduction of the '6-3-3' principle, which mandates that trials for the three special prosecutor bills concerning rebellion, Kim Keon-hee, and the posthumous honor of a Marine be concluded within 6 months for the first instance and 3 months each for the second instance and final appeal, to ensure prompt trials.

Although it is a recommendation, there is a prevailing atmosphere within the courts to adhere to it as much as possible, as it is stipulated in the law.

The case involving Madam Kim was also received by Criminal Division 15, to which Judge Shin belonged, on February 6th, and a verdict was rendered on March 28th, less than three months later.

Furthermore, the workload was exacerbated by the designation of a special division at the Seoul High Court to exclusively handle appellate cases related to rebellion following the declaration of martial law, leading to the reassignment of existing cases handled by that division to other general divisions.

Criminal Division 15 is also known to have taken over all cases from Criminal Division 1, which is the rebellion-dedicated division.

"I heard that Judge Shin frequently complained about the heavy workload and stress to those around him, working through weekends and holidays," said a colleague. "However, I do not know if this is directly or indirectly related to the current matter."