Corruption Investigation Office Indicts Incumbent Chief Judge on Bribery Charges

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has indicted an incumbent chief judge on charges of exchanging bribes with the aim of influencing court rulings. The CIO stated that this is the first time it has indicted a sitting judge.

The CIO's indictment includes allegations that lawyer B delivered an envelope containing 3 million won in cash to Judge A. The CIO has determined that B provided a total of approximately 33 million won, including offering commercial property free of charge for Judge A's wife to use for violin lessons.

The CIO explained that the charges are supported by the fact that out of 21 cases presided over by Judge A in an appellate court, 17 resulted in favorable reductions in sentences for the law firm B belongs to, and that Judge A overturned a jail sentence in an DUI case, handing down a fine instead.