Judge overseeing ex-president's insurrection trial denies hostess bar allegations

Presiding Judge Jee Kui-youn speaks at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, April 21, to order reporters to leave the courtroom as ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the second hearing of a trial over insurrection charges in connection with his declaration of martial law. Joint Press Corps

The judge overseeing former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection trial on Monday denied allegations of being treated to multiple visits to an expensive hostess bar.

Jee Kui-youn of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the allegations at the opening of the fourth hearing of Yoon's trial.

"I know there is much worry and concern regarding the accusations raised against me, but I normally eat 'samgyeopsal' with soju," Jee said at the court, referring to Korean pork belly and rice wine. "The allegations are not true, and I have never thought of being treated in such a place."

Jee said responding to such "persistent attacks from the outside" during an important trial could influence the proceedings and vowed to focus on conducting a "fair and speedy" trial.

Rep. Kim Yong-min of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea first raised the allegations last week, claiming he received a "detailed tip-off" that Jee visited a hostess bar multiple times without once paying the cost of 1 million won ($716) to 2 million won per person.

Details of the alleged visits, such as when they took place or Jee's relationship to the other people involved, have yet to be revealed.

The Supreme Court said last week it was verifying the details of the allegations and planned to take action in accordance with relevant laws in case they were proven true.

Jee was also the judge responsible for canceling Yoon's arrest in March.