Judge Yoon: "Never Went to Room Salons, I Eat Samgyeopsal and Drink Soju"

Statement Before Yoon's Fourth Insurrection Trial
Yoon Remains Silent at Photo Line After Leaving the Party

On May 19, Chief Judge Ji Guyoun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25, who is presiding over the insurrection trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol, stated before the start of Yoon's trial, "I am well aware that there are many concerns and worries due to recent suspicions raised about me," adding, "The allegations are not true, and I have never even considered the idea of being entertained at such places (room salons)."

Yonhap News

Recently, the Democratic Party of Korea raised suspicions that Chief Judge Ji had been entertained by a party involved in a case at a room salon. In response, Chief Judge Ji made a personal statement during the trial to clarify his position. He said, "I usually spend my time eating samgyeopsal and drinking somaek. Above all, we are no longer living in an era where parties involved in cases entertain judges," reiterating his denial. Chief Judge Ji also stated, "If the court responds to every background check or ongoing suspicion and external provocation or attack against judges during such an important trial, it could affect the proceedings," adding, "We promise that the court will continue to devote itself to conducting prompt and fair trials in accordance with legal procedures."

Former President Yoon, who left the People Power Party on May 17, entered the courtroom for the fourth trial on this day without making any statements. Wearing a dark navy suit, Yoon entered through the ground-level entrance and did not respond to questions such as, "Do you have a position on the continued testimonies that you ordered lawmakers to be dragged out?" or "Do you intend to apologize for the 12·3 Martial Law?" During the trial, testimony will be heard from Brigadier General Park Junghwan, Chief of Staff of the Army Special Warfare Command. In addition, Brigadier General Lee Sanghyun, Commander of the 1st Airborne Brigade of the Special Warfare Command, will also appear as a witness. The prosecution and Yoon's defense team are also scheduled to present their initial positions regarding the additional charge of abuse of authority brought on May 1.

On May 21, Police Commissioner General Cho Jiho is scheduled to appear for his insurrection case trial, and on May 23, the trial for former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun's insurrection case is also set to take place.