Judge Ji Gwi-yeon denies "room salon entertainment" allegations, stating "it's not true"

The allegations against Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court regarding "room salon entertainment" are growing rapidly, coinciding with the trial of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who faces charges of being the "leader of insurrection."

In light of this situation, Judge Ji reportedly addressed her stance directly in court recently.

According to a report by Yonhap on the 19th, Judge Ji explained her position concerning the "room salon entertainment" allegations raised by the Democratic Party before the trial of former President Yoon's charges of insurrection and abuse of power, which took place that morning in the Seoul Central District Court's Grand Chamber 417.

Judge Ji stated, "I think it is necessary to speak out as I believe that if I don't, the trial itself will struggle to gain credibility. I know there are many concerns and worries regarding the allegations against me, but I often enjoy pork belly with soju and beer. The allegations raised are not true, and I have never considered being entertained in such places."

She continued, "More than anything, that kind of era itself is not present anymore. No one buys pork belly and soju for others."

In particular, Judge Ji expressed concern, stating, "The court’s continuous external attacks due to investigations into judges during important trial proceedings can affect the progress of the trial," and added, "From now on, the court, including myself, will strive for a fair and swift trial according to the legal procedures."

Democratic Party claims "Judge Ji is lying" as they release photos

However, the Democratic Party held a briefing that afternoon, claiming, "Judge Ji is lying," while revealing internal photos of entertainment establishments along with a picture of Judge Ji seated with two other individuals.

Democratic Party spokesperson Noh Jong-myeon mentioned, "There are several instances we claim Judge Ji visited this establishment," and stated they would observe Judge Ji's additional comments and determine if further disclosures would be made regarding the related content.

During the trial that afternoon, Judge Ji did not make any remarks about the photos released by the Democratic Party and proceeded with the court proceedings.

A representative from the Seoul Central District Court also responded to inquiries about the matter, stating, "We have no position to disclose."

Earlier, on the 14th, Democratic Party members Kim Yong-min and Kim Ki-pyo raised allegations during the National Assembly’s Judiciary Committee meeting that Judge Ji received multiple instances of entertainment from a relevant person at an entertainment establishment.

However, at that time, specific details such as exact dates, expenses incurred, and identities of the attendees were not provided.

The Supreme Court’s Ethics Audit Office is expected to verify the facts, including the photos released by the Democratic Party.

A representative from the Court Administration Office communicated to Yonhap regarding reports that the Ethics Audit Office visited the establishment in question for site investigations, stating, "It is difficult to confirm due to the nature of the audit work."

Meanwhile, on the 20th, the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Unit disclosed that they received the case filed against Judge Ji for bribery and violations of the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Connection Act from several civic groups, including the Judicial Justice Restoration Citizen Action and others, assigning it to the 3rd Investigation Division led by Chief Prosecutor Lee Dae-hwan.

Image source: Judge Ji Gwi-yeon speaks regarding the exit of the press during the second public trial for insurrection charges at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on April 21, 2025 / News1. Democratic Party member Noh Jong-myeon, affiliated with the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee, holds a press conference on May 19, 2025, at the Democratic Party’s office in Yeouido, Seoul, revealing evidence photos of Judge Ji Gwi-yeon’s visits to a room salon / News1. The Democratic Party released photos relating to the room salon entertainment allegations surrounding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, who is in charge of the trial against former President Yoon Seok-yeol on insurrection charges / Democratic Party’s election committee’s Constitutional Protection Division for Ending Insurrection.