Judge Kim In-taek, who presided over the first trial of Myung Tae-kyun and former lawmaker Kim Young-sun, has been summarily indicted for accepting expenses related to an overseas golf trip from a corporate person just a day before the ruling was announced. This incident has raised concerns as it occurred in the context of a sensitive judicial decision, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and undue influences. The Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office has charged Judge Kim under the Anti-Corruption Law, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts exceeding a certain value from the same person within a specified timeframe.

The investigation into Judge Kim revolves around a golf trip taken with an executive from HDC Shilla Duty-Free. The Anti-Corruption Law restricts public officials from receiving significant monetary benefits and, in this case, Judge Kim allegedly accepted a portion of the travel costs. While these activities are under scrutiny, it appears the charges may be based on the context of his ruling rather than direct evidence of bribery. Previously, Judge Kim had maintained his innocence, stating that all travel expenses were settled appropriately.

Moreover, new allegations have emerged concerning Judge Kim's interaction with the same corporate representative, involving improper procurement of luxury items, which also adds to the controversy. Notably, the timing of the indictment raises questions about the integrity of the judicial process, as it coincided with a significant ruling against politically charged defendants. The implications of this case could extend beyond Judge Kim, potentially casting a shadow on the public's trust in the judicial system as a whole.