Sitting Chief Judge: "Kim Myeong-su Supreme Court Chief Justice's Lies and Resignation Are Separate Issues"

Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo is arriving at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] A sitting chief judge argued that although Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo's 'false explanation' controversy is a serious issue, it is a separate matter from his resignation amid calls for him to step down.

On the 17th, according to the legal community, Kim Dong-jin (52, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 25), chief judge of the Seoul Southern District Court, posted an article titled "Opinion on the Discussion of Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo's Resignation" on the court's internal network, CourtNet, expressing this view.

Chief Judge Kim stated, "It is clear that the Chief Justice's lying is immoral and against justice, and it is understandable that discussions about resignation are arising," but he emphasized, "If Chief Justice Kim resigns, it is necessary to seriously consider the separate issue of whether the situation afterward will be more just."

He added, "After the resignation, if the political circles and some organizations advocate for democratic control of judges by the public, legislate to expand the authority of the Judicial Administration Committee or the Judicial Council, and if these bodies play a substantial role in high-ranking judicial personnel matters, do you agree with such a situation?"

Furthermore, addressing both ruling and opposition parties, he said, "Currently, Korean society is mired in political power struggles," and questioned, "Is it appropriate for the ruling party to hastily submit and pass an impeachment motion against Chief Judge Im, whose term is about to expire, in the National Assembly plenary session without even going through the committee review, in line with the essence of the impeachment procedure stipulated by the Constitution?"

He also explained that the opposition's criminal complaint against Chief Justice Kim could infringe upon judicial independence.

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