Former Judge-Turned-Lawyer Accused of Requesting Bail Release Denies All Charges

"Not a Bribe but a Legitimate Seniority Fee"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Lawyer Seo, who was indicted on charges of receiving money from a construction businessman by promising to request the judge for bail approval, has completely denied the allegations.

On the 11th, Judge Kim Doo-hee of the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 9 held the second trial for lawyers Seo (59) and Yoon (55), who were arrested and indicted for violating the Attorney-at-Law Act.

They were indicted on charges of demanding expenses and receiving a total of 220 million won from construction businessman A, who was arrested and indicted for obstructing redevelopment project bidding, by saying, "We will request the judge to grant bail release."

At that time, the case was handled by Judge Jang of the same court's Criminal Division 8, who had previously worked with Lawyer Yoon at the Daejeon District Court.

Lawyer Seo’s side explained, "With A’s consent, we appointed two additional lawyers including Lawyer Yoon, and we received and held the initial fees and success fees to be paid to them in advance, then delivered 200 million won after the bail approval decision was made."

They claimed it was not for the purpose of requesting the judge but a legitimate retainer fee.

Regarding the additional 20 million won received, they argued, "We have no recollection at all."

The lawyer emphasized, "Even if I asked Lawyer Yoon to request the presiding judge, I only delivered the money as A’s representative, not directly receiving it myself, so I cannot be punished under Article 111, Paragraph 1 of the Attorney-at-Law Act."

Lawyer Yoon’s side rebutted, stating that "There was never any discussion with A, and Seo was the main person involved."

He stressed, "Sequential conspiracy requires predicting the scope of other conspirators’ involvement and taking responsibility within a foreseeable range."

He also raised the issue, "They are holding us responsible for 220 million won, but can the initial fee of 20 million won received before hearing about the bail be included?"

The next trial will be held at 10:45 a.m. on the 27th in the same courtroom.

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