Business Appears to Have Ceased Operations After Allegations
The establishment identified by the Democratic Party of Korea as the location of Judge Ji Guiyeon's alleged "room salon entertainment" is reportedly closed with no signboard displayed.
According to a report by News1 on May 20, this nightlife establishment located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, had taken down its signboard and kept its entrance closed as of that day. A notice restricting external entry was posted on the first floor, and witnesses stated that the signboard had disappeared and business operations had ceased since last week.
The Democratic Party of Korea raised allegations on the 19th that Ji Guiyeon, the presiding judge of the trial for former President Yoon Seokyeol's charge of rebellion at the Seoul Central District Court, was entertained at a nightlife establishment, and released related photos. Photo by Yonhap News
Currently, only notices such as "No entry or employment for persons under 19" and "Minors prohibited" are reportedly posted at the entrance.
The timing of the business suspension coincides with when Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yongmin raised related allegations at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's plenary session on May 14.
An employee of a nearby business said, "Until now, vehicles driven by chauffeurs frequently came and went here," adding, "It was a place often visited by cars with drivers." The parking lot, which could accommodate about ten vehicles, was reportedly always full, and the establishment was so well known that cars had to be parked in nearby alleys.
Currently, this establishment is registered as a type-2 karaoke bar. Unlike type-1 entertainment bars, commonly known as room salons, type-2 establishments are not allowed to employ hostesses. They are licensed to serve and sell alcohol, and customers are permitted to sing and dance lightly.
Previously, on May 19, the Democratic Party released a photo showing Judge Ji sitting side by side with two companions at a venue believed to be a bar in Gangnam, Seoul. The Democratic Party claimed that Judge Ji had been entertained at a high-end room salon with female employees present.
On the morning of May 19, before commencing the trial of former President Yoon Seokyeol on charges of leading a rebellion and abuse of power, Judge Ji stated, "I am well aware of the concerns and worries caused by the recent allegations against me, but I usually spend my time eating samgyeopsal and drinking somaek (soju and beer mix). The allegations are not true, and I have never even considered being entertained at such a place." After Judge Ji denied the allegations, the Democratic Party immediately released three photos from the scene, claiming they served as evidence to substantiate the suspicions.
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