Chief judge suspended for 3 months after accepting travel expenses; Supreme Court cites 'golf trips from business'

A South Korean chief judge has received a three-month suspension for accepting golf trips and travel expenses totaling about 3 million won from an acquaintance who managed a duty-free shop. The Supreme Court announced the disciplinary action against Kim In-taek, a chief judge at the Suwon District Court, on October 24.

The court stated that Judge Kim accepted airline tickets and accommodation expenses worth 3.47 million won from a team leader at HDC Shilla Duty Free between October 2024 and May 2025. The court also cited Kim's continued inappropriate relationship with the official, including traveling abroad together from July 2023 to May 2025, despite knowing the official had a case pending in another court. The Supreme Court concluded that Kim's actions damaged the dignity and prestige of the judiciary.

Judge Kim is currently on trial at the Seoul Central District Court for violating the Improper Gifts and Services Solicitation Prohibition Act. This law prohibits public officials from accepting gifts exceeding 1 million won at once or 3 million won annually from the same individual. Although the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office initially sought a 5 million won fine through a summary indictment, Kim contested this, leading to a formal trial. He denies the allegations, asserting that all travel expenses were settled. His first trial is scheduled for November 11.

Notably, Judge Kim had previously acquitted Mr. Myung Tae-gyun and former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-sun in a first-instance ruling on charges related to political funds. At the time of the controversy, Kim was affiliated with the Changwon District Court.

“

Judge Kim damaged the dignity and prestige of the judiciary.