On the 19th, the Democratic Party of Korea released three photos as evidence alleging that Judge Director General Ji Gui-Yeon, who is presiding over the sedition charges against former President Yoon Suk-Yeol, received hospitality at an entertainment venue.
However, regarding whether the conduct was related to official duties, it was noted to "let the judiciary clarify the details directly."
Spokesperson Noh Jong-Myeon of the Democratic Party's Central Election Strategy Committee stated in a briefing at 1:50 p.m. in Yeouido, Seoul, that "Does Judge Ji Gui-Yeon eat pork belly at a room salon? Brazenly lied."
Earlier, Judge Ji, at the start of the 4th trial involving the sedition charges against former President Yoon, denied the Democratic Party's "room salon hospitality allegations."
Judge Ji stated, "The allegations concerning me personally are not true, and I have never even thought of being entertained in such places. Above all, it's not that kind of era," adding, "I usually enjoy pork belly with a mix of soju and beer. No one even buys me pork belly with soju and beer."
As Judge Ji completely denied the allegations, the Democratic Party quickly decided to release the related photos. Spokesperson Noh declared, "We decided to release the photos to prove a 'nationwide lie.'"
Of the three photos released by the Democratic Party, two were of the interior of the entertainment venue. The other was a photo of Director General Ji seated with two men, whose appearances were blurred.
Spokesperson Noh explained concerning the venue confirmed by the party, "If you look at the background where Director General Ji was photographed, the interior and props are identical."
Spokesperson Noh asserted, "The Democratic Party confirmed the venue where Director General Ji received hospitality. It is a luxurious room salon in Gangnam, Seoul," adding, "Female staff were present in every room and at every table. Only the signboard changed, but the owner of the venue remained the same, and the interior matched the location where the photos were taken."
Furthermore, it was said, "We will actively consider reporting to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). Responsibility should be held through an investigation."
In response to the question about whether the profession and payment amount of individuals related to Director General Ji's hospitality were verified, it was remarked that "we urge the judiciary to clarify the specific circumstances directly." It was noted, "Two individuals were in the photos, appearing to be professional contacts. Verification of the facts is not difficult, and it is believed that confirming the payment amount won't be hard either."
The Democratic Party asked for attention to be focused more on Judge Ji's lies and the question of entering entertainment venues rather than the specific details of the hospitality.
Spokesperson Noh stated, "Although Judge Ji claimed to have never entered a room salon, multiple visits were made. Responsibility should be taken for lying to the public," adding, "When we received the report, what we were most concerned about was not 'how much was spent' but verifying the fact that such a visit occurred."