Emphasizing 'Trust' and 'Political Neutrality'... Kim Myeong-su, Chief Justice, Past Remarks Become Controversial Debt

New Judges Urged to "Always Reflect on Words and Actions"... At the Opening Ceremony, "Firm Response to External Attacks"
Silent for 5 Days After Apology on Commute Home... No Plans Yet for Additional Explanation or Apology
First Commute in 2017: "Just Becoming Chief Justice Means Judicial Change"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] ‘Political neutrality,’ ‘independence,’ and ‘trust’

These are the common keywords in the statements made by Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, who is facing pressure to resign both inside and outside due to ‘false explanations’ and ‘violations of neutrality.’

Since his inauguration, Chief Justice Kim has consistently emphasized the judiciary's political neutrality, independence, and trust.

Until recently, he showed a commitment to fulfilling his role in protecting judicial independence by stressing its importance to new judges, court officials, and members of the judiciary, both internally and externally.

This series of statements from Chief Justice Kim, from the past to the recent, has ironically led to his current silence.

At the New Year's ceremony held on the 4th of last month, Chief Justice Kim emphasized reflection on the past, saying, “Before appealing for recognition of the judiciary’s achievements or efforts, what we must first do is a profound reflection and introspection on past mistakes.”

He also urged judges, stating, “When conflicts in various areas of society become cases and come to the courts, judges bear the heavy responsibility to independently adjudicate according to law and conscience. Although there may be cases that attract public attention and place a considerable burden on judges, I hope you overcome that weight and solitude with the sense of mission of an independent judge fulfilling constitutional duties.”

In particular, he declared, “As Chief Justice, I will always remember my constitutional duties and respond resolutely and firmly to unjust external attacks that infringe upon judicial independence.”

At the regular meeting of the nationwide court presidents held on December 4th last year, Chief Justice Kim expressed concern over people dissatisfied with trial outcomes attacking individual judges, saying, “The value of fair trials is heavier during times of intense conflict and confrontation, and challenges or threats to judicial independence inevitably intensify. However, in such times, we must have the courage and sense of mission to boldly declare justice under any circumstances and focus more on trials with composure.”

He continued, “As Chief Justice, I will also do my utmost to protect the independence of courts and trials so that judges can focus unwaveringly on their trials and fulfill their duties.”

At the appointment ceremony for new judges on October 20th last year, he emphasized, “Judges must not forget that they are public servants devoted to the public values of society. It is also necessary to always reflect on whether one’s words and actions compromise integrity and fairness to protect judicial independence.”

On Court Day, September 11th of the same year, in his commemorative speech, he stressed, “During times of intense conflict and confrontation, the meaning of fair trials according to law and conscience is weighty, and the value of judicial independence is even more precious. We must not forget that the courage and sense of mission to declare what justice is under any circumstances have been the pillars that have sustained the judiciary despite fierce disturbances.”

He added, “If a conclusion is reached after serious consideration with the scales of law and conscience amid conflicting values, it will not waver no matter what storms come. Even if there are unreasonable criticisms or attacks beyond rational criticism of judgments, please focus more on trials with an unwavering mind (不動心).”

At the completion ceremony for the new appointee course held at the Court Officials Training Institute on May 29th last year, he even quoted poet Do Jong-hwan’s poem ‘Ivy,’ saying, “Public trust arises when trial results are fair and the dispute resolution process is understandable. Empathy and listening tailored to the public’s perspective can be said to be the starting point of public trust,” repeatedly emphasizing trust in the judiciary and judges.

From the moment of his inauguration, Chief Justice Kim emphasized the judiciary’s political neutrality and independence, particularly stressing that he was the best candidate to protect judicial independence.

On his first day in office, September 25th, 2017, when he first arrived at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Kim expressed a strong will for judicial reform, saying, “Just becoming Chief Justice shows judicial change.” Regarding the independence of the Supreme Court’s power to recommend justices, he stated, “The power to recommend justices is given according to the separation of powers. When conflicts arise, I will definitely enforce the Chief Justice’s will,” signaling his intention not to be swayed by the Blue House or others.

President Moon Jae-in also did not hide his expectations when presenting the appointment letter to Chief Justice Kim.

At that time, President Moon said, “Judicial independence and political neutrality are what I have dreamed of as a legal professional throughout my life. I believe the judiciary will change significantly just by Chief Justice Kim’s inauguration. I think he will play a sufficient role in maintaining balance.”

At his inauguration ceremony on September 26th of the same year, Chief Justice Kim again emphasized judges’ independence. Especially, he seemed conscious of the abuse of judicial administrative power by the Court Administration during former Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae’s tenure and the judiciary blacklist incident, emphasizing independence from within the judiciary.

In his inaugural address, he said, “The public wants judges to be fully independent not only from outside but also from within the judiciary and to adjudicate according to the Constitution and laws. To this end, I will pay special attention to judges’ independence from within and strive to improve the system.”

Since apologizing on the evening of the 4th, saying, “Regardless of the reasons, I deeply apologize and express my regrets to Deputy Chief Judge Im Seong-geun and all those disappointed,” Chief Justice Kim has remained silent for five days until his arrival at work on the 9th.

The longer the silence lasts, the louder the criticism against him grows. Judges who were previously passive about collective actions or naming criticisms have begun voicing that the Chief Justice’s ‘inconsistency between words and actions’ is increasing distrust and crisis in the judiciary.

On the judges-only anonymous bulletin board ‘Ipansapan’ on internet portal sites, posts criticizing Chief Justice Kim’s lies and violations of political neutrality, along with supportive comments, have continued since the 4th. However, it is reported that Chief Justice Kim has no plans for further explanations or apologies yet.

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