Learn Korean: Judge Orders Mask Removal in Court

Helpful? Recommend it so other learners can find it.
Korean Reading Practice

이진관 판사 "마스크 벗어라"…'맨얼굴' 드러낸 김건희

Date: April 14, 2026

Introduction

This reading material discusses a recent court case involving Kim Kun-hee, the wife of former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The article focuses on the judge's decision to have Kim remove her mask during her testimony, which has sparked discussion about the use of masks in legal proceedings.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
판사 pansa judge 판사가 김건희 씨에게 마스크를 벗으라고 요구했습니다.The judge asked Kim Kun-hee to remove her mask.
마스크 maseukeu mask 김건희 씨는 법정에 마스크를 쓰고 들어왔습니다.Kim Kun-hee entered the courtroom wearing a mask.
증인 jeungin witness 증인 김건희 씨는 선서를 했습니다.Witness Kim Kun-hee took the oath.
선서 seonseo oath 증인 선서를 마치자 판사가 마스크 벗으라고 요구했습니다.After the oath, the judge asked her to remove her mask.
표정 pyojeong expression 판사는 증언할 때 김건희 씨의 표정 변화를 관찰하고 싶었습니다.The judge wanted to observe any changes in Kim Kun-hee's expression during her testimony.
전직 jeonjik former 김건희 씨는 전직 대통령 부인입니다.Kim Kun-hee is the wife of a former president.
맨얼굴 maeneolgul bare face 결국 김건희 씨의 맨얼굴이 화면에 드러났습니다.In the end, Kim Kun-hee's bare face was revealed on screen.
교도관 gyodogwan prison guard 교도관의 부축을 받으며 법정으로 들어왔습니다.She entered the courtroom with the support of a prison guard.
위증 wijeung perjury 만일 거짓말이 있으면 위증의 벌을 받기로 맹세했습니다.She swore that if there were any lies, she would be punished for perjury.
맹세 maengse oath 사실 그대로 말하고 맹세했습니다.She swore to tell the truth.
beol punishment 위증의 벌을 받기로 맹세했습니다.She swore to receive the punishment for perjury.

Reading Text

김건희 씨는 마스크를 쓰고 법정에 들어왔습니다. 그러나 이진관 재판장은 "질병이 아니면 마스크를 쓸 수 없다"고 밝혔고, 결국 김건희 씨는 마스크를 벗어야 했습니다.

Kim Kun-hee entered the courtroom wearing a mask. However, Judge Lee Jin-kwan stated that "masks can only be worn for medical reasons," and ultimately Kim Kun-hee had to remove her mask.

김건희 씨는 교도관의 부축을 받으며 법정으로 들어왔습니다. 그리고 그 상태로 증인 선서를 했습니다.

Kim Kun-hee entered the courtroom with the support of a prison guard. In that state, she took the oath as a witness.

선서를 마치자 이진관 재판장은 마스크를 벗을 것을 요구했습니다. 통상 재판장은 증인의 본인 확인 목적 외에도 증언할 때 표정 변화를 관찰하기 위해 마스크를 벗을 것을 요구할 수 있습니다.

After the oath, Judge Lee Jin-kwan demanded that she remove her mask. Typically, a judge can request a witness to remove their mask not only for the purpose of identification, but also to observe any changes in their expression during testimony.

김건희 씨의 맨얼굴이 화면에 다 드러난 것은 '아무 것도 아닌 사람'을 말한 뒤 8개월 만입니다.

It has been 8 months since Kim Kun-hee's bare face was fully revealed on screen, after she had referred to herself as "just an ordinary person."

김건희 씨는 법정에서 증언을 하며 마스크를 벗어야 했습니다. 이진관 재판장은 증인의 표정 변화를 관찰하기 위해 마스크 착용을 허용하지 않았습니다.

Kim Kun-hee had to remove her mask while testifying in court. Judge Lee Jin-kwan did not allow her to wear a mask, in order to observe any changes in the witness's expression.

이번 사건은 법정에서의 마스크 착용에 대한 논란을 불러일으켰습니다. 일부에서는 코로나19 감염 위험을 고려해 마스크 착용이 필요하다고 주장하지만, 다른 이들은 표정 관찰을 위해 마스크 착용을 금지해야 한다고 말합니다.

This incident has sparked controversy over the use of masks in legal proceedings. Some argue that mask-wearing is necessary to consider the risk of COVID-19 infection, while others say masks should be prohibited to allow for observation of facial expressions.

Grammar Points

-ㅂ/습니다 formal polite statement

Formal polite statement ending. Attach -습니다 to verb stems ending in a consonant, -ㅂ니다 to stems ending in a vowel.

📖 김건희 씨는 마스크를 쓰고 법정에 들어왔습니다. Kim Geon-hee entered the courtroom wearing a mask.

✏️ 저는 매일 아침 커피를 마십니다. I drink coffee every morning.

-아/어/여야 하다 have to / must

Expresses obligation or necessity ('have to / must'). Formed by attaching -아/어야 하다 to the verb stem.

📖 결국 김건희 씨는 마스크를 벗어야 했습니다. In the end, Kim Geon-hee had to take off her mask.

✏️ 내일 시험이 있어서 오늘 공부해야 해요. I have an exam tomorrow, so I have to study today.

Cultural Notes

This incident highlights the ongoing debate in South Korea about the use of masks, particularly in legal settings. While masks have become a common sight during the COVID-19 pandemic, the judge's decision to require Kim Kun-hee to remove her mask reflects the importance placed on observing witnesses' facial expressions during court proceedings. This case has sparked further discussion about balancing public health concerns and legal practices in Korea.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
🎴 Learn this article's 11 words Practice as flashcards →

📝 Comprehension Questions

Write your own answer first — then see others' and the model answer.

Q1

Why did the judge ask Kim Kun-hee to remove her mask?

💬 0 answers

Be the first to answer ✍️

🔒 Submit your answer to reveal others'
Q2

What was the purpose of the judge's request for Kim Kun-hee to remove her mask?

💬 0 answers

Be the first to answer ✍️

🔒 Submit your answer to reveal others'
Q3

How long had it been since Kim Kun-hee's bare face was revealed on screen?

💬 0 answers

Be the first to answer ✍️

🔒 Submit your answer to reveal others'
Q4

What are the two main arguments regarding the use of masks in legal proceedings?

💬 0 answers

Be the first to answer ✍️

🔒 Submit your answer to reveal others'
Q5

What is the significance of this incident in the broader discussion about mask-wearing?

💬 0 answers

Be the first to answer ✍️

🔒 Submit your answer to reveal others'

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *