Senior Judge Facing Trial for Accepting Golf Trip Expenses From Acquaintance Sentenced to 3-Month Suspension

A current presiding judge, who went on multiple overseas trips after having a companion undergoing trial cover golf travel expenses, has been handed a disciplinary suspension.

On the 13th, the Supreme Court imposed a three-month suspension along with a disciplinary surcharge of 3.47 million won on Presiding Judge Kim (identified by surname) of the Suwon District Court.

It was revealed that Judge Kim received a total of 3.47 million won worth of overseas golf trip airfares and accommodation expenses from Team Leader A of HDC Shilla Duty Free.

Notably, it was confirmed that Judge Kim went on overseas trips with the team leader a total of six times from July 2023 to May of last year, even while knowing that the team leader was undergoing a trial.

The Supreme Court Disciplinary Committee judged that Judge Kim's actions damaged the dignity expected of a judge and undermined public trust and prestige in the judiciary.

Previously, Judge Kim and Team Leader A were summarily indicted in February for violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, receiving summary orders of 5 million won and 3 million won in fines, respectively.

However, as Judge Kim appealed the decision and requested a formal trial, the first trial hearing is scheduled for November.

Previously, while working at the Changwon District Court in February, Judge Kim acquitted political broker Myung Tae-gyun and former lawmaker Kim Young-sun in the first trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, while only finding Myung guilty of instigating the concealment of evidence and sentencing him to a suspended prison term.

(Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Lee Da-in | Design by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.