Judge who handed Yoon life sentence indicted for corruption

Anti-corruption investigators have formally accused Judge Jee Kui-youn of corruption, alleging he received lavish entertainment at an upscale bar in Seoul in 2023. The judge, infamous for sentencing former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison, faces charges under the country's anti-graft law. According to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), Jee allegedly compelled two lawyers to pay for services amounting to 4.09 million won ($3,000) at a bar in Cheongdam, a prestigious neighborhood in the capital.

Public officials are subject to punishment for receiving gifts or services exceeding 1 million won, irrespective of their professional duties. The CIO's investigation determined that the samples of services were not exchanged for trial favors as the court bench Jee belonged to did not handle the lawyers' cases at that time. However, the office identified another instance in September 2024 when Jee was also treated at the same establishment but decided not to pursue the case as the services amounted to 4.16 million won for five individuals, and the CIO did not believe a bribe had taken place.