Civic Group Files Complaint with Corruption Investigation Office Against Constitutional Court Justice Lee Young-jin Over Alleged Golf Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] A civic group has reported Constitutional Court Justice Lee Young-jin, who is embroiled in allegations of golf entertainment, to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC).

The civic group Judicial Justice Restoration Civic Action (Sasehaeng) filed a complaint against Justice Lee on the 10th with the PCC for violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes related to bribery and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Although violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act are not subject to PCC investigation, they can be investigated together if directly related to bribery charges.

Last October, Justice Lee played golf at a round arranged by his hometown junior A, where he met B, a self-employed businessman who is a high school friend of A, and C, a lawyer. They played golf together and had dinner at a restaurant operated by B. All golf expenses and the meal were covered by B. The golf expenses reportedly amounted to about 1.2 million KRW.

The issue arose when B reportedly discussed his divorce lawsuit with his wife during the meal with Justice Lee, and Justice Lee was reported to have mentioned that he knew the chief judge of the family court and would help with the lawsuit.

Justice Lee stated, "B talked about the divorce lawsuit, and I only said that it seemed like a case that should be legally handled with the assistance of a lawyer," adding, "I was not in a position to comment on the ongoing trial, and I have not met since that day nor do I know the details."

B also claimed through C that he gave Justice Lee 5 million KRW in cash and golf apparel, but Justice Lee drew a line, saying, "The clothes and money are issues between B and the lawyer, and I am not aware of them."

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