The Democratic Party of Korea raised allegations that Ji Kwi-yeon, chief judge of the 25th criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court, who is presiding over the treason allegations against former President Yoon Seok-yeol, received drink hospitality multiple times at a nightclub. Ji is also the judge who previously decided to cancel the arrest of the former president.
Democratic Party member Kim Yong-min said during the National Assembly's legislative and judiciary committee meeting on the morning of the 14th, "I received specific reports that Ji drank alcohol several times at a 'room salon' where expenses of around 1 million to 2 million won per person were incurred, and that the judge has never paid for it even once."
He further pointed out, "Since this is a matter exceeding at least 1 million won, it appears to constitute bribery, or at the very least, a violation of Article 8, Section 1 of the Anti-Corruption and Whistleblower Protection Act," and asked, "Shouldn't we exclude him from the trial and conduct an immediate investigation?"
Regarding the allegations of Ji's drink hospitality at a room salon, Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the court administration office, said, "I find it hard to respond right now as it is something I cannot envision," and added, "I will return and check the matter and review it."
Noh Jong-myeon, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, also claimed in a written briefing that day, "We cannot entrust the fate of the Republic of Korea to a judge who goes to room salons," and stated, "Ji Kwi-yeon should be immediately excluded from the treason trial and an investigation should be conducted."
In particular, it was demanded that Ji be immediately excluded from duty, citing that there is a photo taken when Ji received drink hospitality at a room salon last year. The Democratic Party explained that it also confirmed the location depicted in the photo is a top-tier room salon in Gangnam, Seoul.
Noh, the floor spokesperson, said, "The confirmed time of the photograph is around August of last year, the establishment has been specified, and it has been confirmed that he entered the venue based on the photo," and added, "(Regarding the release of the photo), if Minister Cheon notifies me of the details, I will consider it, but if an investigation into judge Ji is decided, I will provide it as material."