Seoul: The Supreme Court’s audit committee has opted to delay its ruling on bribery allegations involving Judge Jee Kui-youn, who presides over the insurrection trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision will be postponed until the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) concludes its investigation, officials disclosed on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Judge Jee Kui-youn of the Seoul Central District Court is under scrutiny for allegedly accepting hospitality in the form of multiple visits to a costly hostess bar. This has prompted an inquiry by the CIO, which is focused on high-ranking officials.

The court audit committee, which met last Friday, has chosen to delay the case resolution, citing challenges in verifying the allegations. This decision was confirmed by the office of Rep. Choo Mi-ae, leader of the parliamentary judiciary committee. The audit committee’s role involves reviewing possible cases related to court officials that may require auditing, including bribery, embezzlement, and sexual misconduct. The panel is composed of six external members among its seven-person team.

The Democratic Party has raised accusations against Judge Jee, claiming he frequented a hostess bar located in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district. The party has even produced a photograph allegedly depicting him at the venue and has demanded his dismissal from Yoon’s trial. However, Judge Jee, who had previously annulled Yoon’s arrest in March, has refuted these allegations.