A 42-year-old judge resigned after being accused of harassing a woman on the subway, officials at the Supreme Court said Friday.

The incumbent judge at the Seoul High Court, surnamed Hwang, was investigated by police on charges of harassing a woman in her 20s on a crowded subway during Thursday morning rush hour, according to police.

Hwang was caught in the very act by a patrol police officer who followed him after feeling suspicious about what he witnessed, they said, noting that Hwang confessed to the act on the spot and was released soon after a police investigation.

Although he is not subject to criminal punishment as the victim agreed to drop the case, Hwang offered to resign from his job, which was swiftly accepted by the top court.   

"We have immediately accepted his resignation considering the seriousness of the matter," said Hong Dong-ki, a top court spokesman.

(Yonhap News)