South Korean judge suspended for accepting travel funds from acquaintance in trial

A South Korean judge has been handed a severe three-month suspension and ordered to pay a fine of 3.47 million won for accepting travel expenses from an acquaintance undergoing a trial. The Supreme Court announced on the 24th that Kim, a chief judge at the Suwon District Court, received the disciplinary action. According to the Judges Disciplinary Act, judges can face suspension, pay cuts, or reprimands, but not dismissal or resignation due to their job security protections. Reports indicate that Judge Kim accepted round-trip flight and accommodation expenses totaling 3.47 million won on three separate occasions from Hwang, an acquaintance whose case was being heard. Furthermore, Kim traveled abroad with Hwang six times between July 2023 and May 2025, leading to the disciplinary committee referral. The Supreme Court stated that Judge Kim maintained an inappropriate relationship with Hwang, knowing he was involved in a trial. The court concluded that this behavior damaged the judge's dignity and undermined the reputation of the judiciary.

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Judge Kim maintained an inappropriate relationship with Hwang, knowing he was involved in a trial.