Kim Chang-bo, Chief Judge of Seoul High Court, Urges to Protect Judiciary's Political Neutrality and Independence

Kim Chang-bo, Chief Judge of Seoul High Court. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Kim Chang-bo, Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court?the largest high court in South Korea?who is stepping down and returning to judicial duties as a senior judge, urged junior judges to "firmly uphold the political neutrality and independence of the judiciary" in his farewell address on the 8th.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, no separate farewell ceremony was held that day.

In his farewell address, Chief Judge Kim reflected, "Looking back, although there were no major achievements, there were accomplishments such as establishing the composition and operation plans for high court panels following the amendment of the Court Organization Act, setting up a dedicated division for rehearing requests, and expanding remote video trials to guarantee the right to trial in emergencies like infectious disease outbreaks."

He continued, "The issue of relocating the public prosecution office, which I aimed to resolve during my tenure, remains unsettled, and the urgent task of improving sustainable work methods in response to the aging judiciary following the implementation of dual-track judicial personnel management has yet to even begin," expressing his regret.

Chief Judge Kim stated, "As conflicts and confrontations in our society have intensified and are directly reflected in trial processes, leading to tendencies to interpret trial outcomes through partisan logic, I have come to realize how difficult it is to adjudicate conscientiously according to law and conscience."

He added, "Nevertheless, I take pride in the fact that the judges of the Seoul High Court have steadfastly maintained their positions while continuously striving to resolve societal conflicts and disputes rationally based on law and principles."

He emphasized, "I have no doubt that the judges of the Seoul High Court will continue to firmly uphold the political neutrality and independence of the judiciary, remaining unshaken despite rapid social changes, and serve as the last bastion for protecting the fundamental rights of the people."

Appointed as Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court in February 2019, Kim is scheduled to return to judicial duties as a senior judge at the Seoul Central District Court on the 9th of this month.

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