Who is judge handling Yoon's insurrection case?

Jee Kui-youn, the presiding judge of the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, which is overseeing the trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of being the ringleader of an insurrection, speaks regarding media access ahead of Yoon’s trial in Seoul, April 21, 2025. Joint Press Corps

A judge previously known for his methodical approach has been thrust into the center of a judicial standoff that could determine the fate of Korean democracy.

Judge Jee Kui-youn, presiding over the insurrection trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has become a pivotal figure in a trial that has captured significant media and public attention.

The 51-year-old justice currently heads the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, widely regarded as the most influential trial court in the country. He passed Korea’s highly competitive bar examination in 1999 at the age of 25 after graduating from Seoul National University College of Law.

Jee served as a military prosecutor while completing mandatory military duty before spending two decades navigating the Korean judiciary. His ascent was defined by a six-year tenure as a research judge at the Supreme Court — a role that requires exceptional legal acumen and rigor in legal reasoning.

Since his appointment to the Seoul Central District Court in February 2023, the judge has presided over several high-profile cases. In February 2024, he acquitted Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong of all charges related to the Samsung C&T-Cheil Industries merger, while later sentencing actor Yoo Ah-in to prison for habitual drug use.

Jee Kui-youn, the presiding judge of the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, which is hearing the trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of being the ringleader of an insurrection, stands ahead of Yoon’s trial in Seoul, April 21, 2025. Joint Press Corps

As Jee oversees one of the most politically sensitive trials in recent Korean history, assessments of his role remain sharply divided along partisan lines.

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has voiced strong skepticism toward Jee, particularly over his decision in January last year to release Yoon from his initial arrest. The ruling sparked controversy after the court calculated the legally permitted detention period in hours rather than days — a method critics said favored Yoon. Progressive-leaning groups have since accused the judge of showing undue leniency toward Yoon and his legal team.

Since then, some DPK lawmakers have attacked Jee by alleging that he received inappropriate, lavish entertainment at a high-end private bar. Jee has been reported on charges of bribery and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act in connection with the allegations, and is under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.

The controversy has also fueled political momentum within the DPK to advocate for the creation of a separate, specialized tribunal to handle insurrection-related cases, citing Jee’s rulings as evidence of the need for institutional reforms.

However, Yoon and his inner circle do not appear to regard Jee as an ally.

In a recent YouTube broadcast, a key attorney for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun — a central figure in Yoon’s Dec. 3, 2024, martial law plan — publicly criticized the presiding judge, saying the he was “not on our side.”

Jee’s courtroom demeanor has also become a subject of debate.

His comparatively informal remarks during proceedings have drawn public attention, including his comments to defense attorneys such as, “The court has its own reasoning,” as well as a remark urging the special prosecutor’s team not to “look so sad.”

Supporters view the approach as an effort to manage proceedings with flexibility and efficiency while maintaining courtroom balance. Critics, however, argue that such remarks risk diminishing the seriousness of criminal trials, particularly in a case involving allegations of insurrection, prompting some observers to describe the proceedings as bordering on “entertainment-style justice.”

Citizens watch news coverage Friday at Seoul Station in Seoul of the trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been charged as the ringleader of an insurrection linked to the Dec. 3, 2024, martial law declaration. Newsis

A series of major criminal trials that could determine the political and legal fate of the former president are set to unfold this week.

On Monday, the first hearing was held on charges of general treason, stemming from allegations that drones were sent into North Korea.

On Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Jee, will hold the final hearing in the case charging Yoon with leading an insurrection, along with seven senior military and police officials.

On Wednesday, the first pretrial hearing will be held in a separate case involving former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup’s alleged flight to Australia. Yoon is accused of ordering actions to help a key suspect flee the country in that case.

On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court will hold the first-instance sentencing hearing on charges of obstruction of the performance of official duties and abuse of power. This is expected to be the earliest verdict among four insurrection-related trials involving the former president.