[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Chief Judge Kim Miri, who has been presiding over trials related to the former Justice Minister Cho Kuk case, the Ulsan mayoral election interference case, and the Yoo Jae-soo inspection cover-up case, has taken a leave of absence due to health reasons.
The court has decided to hold a Judges' Work Allocation Committee meeting in accordance with internal regulations.
On the 19th, the Seoul Central District Court announced that with Chief Judge Kim taking leave as of the 21st, a vacancy has arisen in the 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court.
A court official stated, "In accordance with the internal regulations on the establishment and operation of the Judges' Work Allocation Committee, a request has been made to convene the committee to determine the subsequent work allocation," adding, "The Judges' Work Allocation Committee is scheduled to be held soon."
Chief Judge Kim applied for a three-month leave of absence due to health reasons, and it is reported that Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo approved her leave on the same day.
In the regular personnel reshuffle last February, Chief Judge Kim broke the convention of serving up to three years at the Seoul Central District Court by remaining for a fourth year.
In particular, as cases related to the administration were concentrated on Chief Judge Kim, some have criticized that she might be intentionally delaying the cases.
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