Yoon's Sedition Case Court, Allegations of Entertainment Establishment Bribes Raised

On the 14th, Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party, raised allegations regarding Chief Judge Gi Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25, who is presiding over the sedition charges against former President Yoon Suk-yeol, regarding bribes from entertainment establishments.

During a parliamentary hearing for the verification of allegations of judicial interference in the presidential election involving Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and others, Kim claimed that, "I received credible reports that Judge Gi Gwi-yeon has received alcohol hospitality multiple times at high-end room salons," and asked, "Shouldn't we immediately exclude him from his duties and conduct an investigation given the seriousness of this issue?"

He further elaborated, "I've received specific reports that he drank at a 'room salon' where costs range from 1 million to 2 million won per person, and that he has never paid for it even once," and questioned, "What measures should the Court Administration Office take in response to such reports?"

In response, Chief Judge Cheon stated, "This is the first I've heard of this," and added, "If you provide the information later, I will have the Ethics Inspection Office review it."

Kim then asserted, "If this is the case, shouldn't we exclude him from his duties right away and start an investigation? In the general public service sector, what happens when similar issues are reported? They immediately suspend duties and conduct an investigation, and if necessary, proceed with prosecution," raising his voice.

He pointed out, "Such matters could constitute bribery of at least 1 million won, or at the very least, violate Article 8, Section 1 of the Anti-Graft Act." He continued, stating, "The trust in the judiciary is not just about having good trials, but also ensuring that judges involved in corruption do not preside over cases."

Especially emphasizing, "We need to investigate who gave the hospitality, why the trial against Yoon Suk-yeol is proceeding in such an unusual manner, and why everything is being kept confidential," he insisted, "This shouldn't be just about a single instance of receiving hospitality; it must be investigated systematically and comprehensively, and reported to the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee."

In response, Chief Judge Cheon stated, "This is something I cannot even imagine, so it's difficult for me to answer right now," but reiterated, "I will confirm and review the matter once I return."

Meanwhile, No Jong-myeon, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, claimed through a written briefing that "We cannot leave the fate of the Republic of Korea in the hands of a room salon judge," urging that "Judge Gi Gwi-yeon should be immediately excluded from the sedition case and an investigation should be conducted."

He also stated, "If the judiciary hesitates to exclude Judge Gi from the trial and conduct an investigation regarding the allegations of 'room salon hospitality,' we will take further action, including the disclosure of photographs."

Image source: Democratic Party's Kim Yong-min / News1, Chief Judge Gi Gwi-yeon making comments regarding the exit of journalists during the second hearing of the sedition case on April 21 at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul. 2025.4.21 / News1 (joint coverage), Chief Judge Cheon Daeyeop responding to questions from lawmakers during a full committee meeting of the Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the morning of the 14th. 2025.5.14 / News1