Chief of Political Affairs at the Floor Leader's Office Refutes Supreme Court Audit Findings
On September 30, the Democratic Party of Korea cited an anonymous tip to refute the Supreme Court's audit findings regarding allegations that Ji Guiyeon, Chief Judge of the Seoul Central District Court and presiding judge in the insurrection case against former President Yoon Suk-yeol, was entertained at an adult entertainment establishment.
Jeong Eui-chan, Chief of Political Affairs at the Office of the Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, called for the replacement of Judge Ji Gui-yeon and an investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials at a press conference held on the 30th at the National Assembly Communication Center in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the allegations of entertainment at a room salon involving Chief Judge Ji Gui-yeon. Yonhap News
Jeong Euichan, Chief of Political Affairs at the Office of the Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on the same day, stating, "The Supreme Court's announcement clearly contradicts the information provided by the whistleblower," and added, "The whistleblower said that, not just once a year, but over the past several years, he personally entertained Judge Ji at a room salon more than 20 times."
Jeong further explained, "The whistleblower made it clear that it was not Judge Ji Guiyeon's side who paid, but he himself covered the costs, and that it was a members-only room salon entertainment that cost several million won each time."
He continued, "Despite hearing the truth directly from the whistleblower, the Supreme Court is turning a blind eye to the facts and is minimizing and covering up the case. For the Supreme Court to now say, 'We will wait for the results of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and then take action,' is a clear sign that it has no will to uncover the truth, and is tantamount to admitting that it lacks the ability to self-correct."
He also demanded, "The Supreme Court must immediately replace Judge Ji Guiyeon, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials must conduct a swift and thorough investigation to reveal the truth."
The Supreme Court's Ethics Audit Office announced on the same day that, based on the facts confirmed so far, it is difficult to recognize a work-related connection. While Judge Ji reportedly had drinks with junior legal professionals about once a year, there was no confirmation of a work-related relationship or of entertainment being provided. The Court's Audit Committee, which includes external members, determined that the matter should be addressed after waiting for the results of the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.
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