Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su at the New Year's Ceremony: "We will protect the conditions for judges to rule according to their conscience"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo emphasized the need to create an environment that guarantees judicial independence at the New Year's opening ceremony. This is interpreted as his determination to continue the 'judicial reform' he has consistently emphasized and promoted since taking office.

At the opening ceremony held on the 2nd at the Supreme Court building auditorium, Chief Justice Kim stated, "We will firmly stand against any movements that threaten judicial independence and firmly protect the conditions that allow judges to make decisions according to their conscience."

He also stressed, "The judiciary must take a responsible stance to be transparently and fairly evaluated on whether it is repaying the people with good trials."

Furthermore, he said, "We will do all we can to support and make efforts so that excellent trials with sincerity are possible," adding, "The 'good trial' I have emphasized since my inauguration must above all be a 'trial with sincerity.'"

Specifically, he mentioned, "This year, the establishment of the Judicial Administration Council, which can be considered the core of decentralizing the Chief Justice's authority and preventing judicial bureaucratization, and the abolition of the promotion system for chief judges of high courts must bear fruit through legislation."

Chief Justice Kim emphasized, "Expanding the operation of career-equal collegiate panels is also to achieve the good trials that the people desire," and "Improving the promotion system for court officials, which is centered on examinations, is also to transform the judiciary into one focused on trials."

He continued, "We will continue efforts to reduce judges' workload through the activation of dispute resolution procedures not based on judgments and improvements to the trial system," and "We will also make every effort to expand the personnel necessary for trials, such as judges and judicial researchers."

Chief Justice Kim acknowledged, "The situation the judiciary faces is still challenging," and said, "Returning the judiciary to the people and becoming a judiciary trusted by the people cannot be accomplished overnight."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.