Supreme Court Launches Fact-Finding Investigation
The Supreme Court has begun verifying the facts regarding allegations that Judge Ji Guiyeon of the Seoul Central District Court received entertainment at an adult entertainment bar. Judge Ji is presiding over the trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol on charges of insurrection. In addition to former President Yoon, she is also in charge of trials for former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun and Commissioner General of the National Police Agency Cho Jiho.
Judge Ji Guiyeon is greeting at the second criminal trial for charges of leading an insurrection held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul on April 21, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
On the 16th, the Ethics and Audit Office of the Court Administration Office under the Supreme Court released a statement saying, "Since the allegations against the judge were raised, we have been reviewing all possible methods to verify the facts, based on materials from the National Assembly and media reports." The statement added, "If specific misconduct is confirmed in the future, we will proceed with procedures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."
Previously, on the 14th, Kim Yongmin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, claimed at a plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, "I have received specific information that Judge Ji drank alcohol several times at a 'room salon,' where the cost per person ranges from 1 million to 2 million won, and that the judge never paid even once." However, details such as the exact date and time, the total cost incurred, and whether the accompanying individuals were related to the judge's official duties have not yet been disclosed.
In response, the Seoul Central District Court, where Judge Ji serves, issued a statement on the 15th, saying, "The allegations are not only vague but also lack any concrete evidence, and as a result, the authenticity of the claims has not been verified." The court added, "The Central District Court has nothing further to say regarding this matter."
Judge Ji, who is presiding over the insurrection case of former President Yoon, previously decided to cancel former President Yoon's detention on March 7. The Democratic Party has criticized this decision as highly unusual and has continued to accuse the judge of conducting the trial in a biased manner. Park Chandae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, urged on this day, "The court should immediately remove Judge Ji Guiyeon from the trial and promptly begin an investigation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
