'Violation of Kim Young-ran Act' Sitting Judge Sentenced to Fine... Criticism of 'Hwang Jae Trial'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A current judge of the Daejeon District Court who gave legal advice to an acquaintance and received money was sentenced to a fine lower than the prosecution's recommended sentence.

On the 25th, Judge Kim Doo-hee of the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 9 sentenced A Chief Judge (57) of the Daejeon District Court to a fine of 30 million won and ordered a supplementary fine of 10 million won on charges of violating the Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft (Kim Young-ran Act).

An acquaintance B (54, female), who was also tried together, was fined 5 million won.

Judge A was indicted on charges of giving legal advice to acquaintance B twice in July and September 2017 at a restaurant run by his wife and receiving a total of 10 million won.

The Kim Young-ran Act prohibits public officials from receiving money or valuables exceeding 1 million won per occasion or 3 million won per year from one person, regardless of their duties.

B is accused of handing money to Judge A as compensation for legal advice after her former brother-in-law C, who had jointly operated a psychological counseling center with her, accused her of embezzlement.

The court stated the sentencing reason, saying, "Considering that he was well aware of the high level of integrity and fairness required as a judge but still accepted money, damaging the trust in the judiciary."

The prosecution previously sought a sentence of six months imprisonment with one year probation and a supplementary fine of 10 million won for Judge A, and a fine of 5 million won for B.

Judge A was also disciplined with a six-month suspension and a disciplinary fine of 10 million won by the Supreme Court Judicial Disciplinary Committee on the 22nd of last month. Under the Judicial Disciplinary Act, disciplinary actions are divided into reprimand, salary reduction, and suspension, with suspension lasting from three months to one year.

He was reportedly recommended as a candidate for the chief judge of the Gwangju District Court earlier this year but voluntarily withdrew.

Meanwhile, C’s side, who claims to be the victim, submitted a petition to the Gwangju District Court on the same day, stating, "The verdict for Judge Hwang Jae-jae has been delivered."

C’s side argued, "Contrary to the charges notified by the police, the prosecution filed a reduced indictment," and requested, "We ask that the verdict in this case be postponed until the appropriateness of the charges is verified."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.