[2022 National Audit] Opposition Criticizes Justice Lee Young-jin for 'Golf Entertainment Allegations' at Constitutional Court Audit

Noh "Constitutional Court Chief Justice Should Consider 'Disciplinary Action and Work Exclusion' for This Justice"

Park Jong-moon, Secretary General of the Constitutional Court, is taking the witness oath at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing on the Constitutional Court held in the National Assembly Judiciary Committee meeting room on the morning of the 17th. 2022.10.17 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] During the National Assembly inspection of the Constitutional Court, lawmakers continued to criticize Justice Lee Young-jin, who was reported to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) over allegations of ‘golf entertainment’.

On the 17th, at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s inspection of the Constitutional Court, Democratic Party lawmakers raised their voices, saying that disciplinary action or exclusion from duties should be considered for Justice Lee.

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Tan-hee said, "Shouldn’t this justice be excluded from duties?" and added, "This is an unprecedented case where a sitting justice is under investigation by the CIO, and the investigation concerns receiving entertainment related to the case." He also questioned, "I asked if an advisory committee was convened at the Constitutional Court to discuss this issue, but has nothing been done?"

Park Jong-moon, Secretary General of the Constitutional Court, replied, "No advisory committee has been convened regarding that matter," and said, "We are taking your serious remarks to heart."

From the same party, lawmaker Choi Kang-wook also pointed out, "Justice Lee Young-jin himself has admitted that a shameful incident occurred," and said, "Waiting for the investigation results does not seem desirable to anyone."

Lawmaker Kwon In-sook said, "There have been cases in the past where officials voluntarily resigned before the end of their term amid allegations of rental income tax evasion, and such actions are efforts by members to maintain trust and authority," adding, "If the justice himself does not make such efforts, the Chief Justice must actively create an image of maintaining trust before the public."

Justice Lee is under investigation by the CIO after being reported last October for receiving entertainment such as playing golf and dining with a businessman Lee, a junior from his hometown, Lee’s friend businessman A, and a lawyer.

Mr. A claimed that during the meal, he confided about his divorce lawsuit concerns, and Justice Lee said he would help with the lawsuit, mentioning that he knew the head judge of the family court. He also said that through a lawyer, he delivered 5 million won in cash and golf apparel to Justice Lee.

Justice Lee’s side acknowledged playing golf and dining with Mr. A but denied any discussions related to the lawsuit or receipt of money or goods.

The CIO conducted a search and seizure at the golf course identified as the entertainment venue and summoned Mr. Lee, who was identified as the organizer of the entertainment gathering, for investigation.