[Full Text] Retired Supreme Court Justice Park Sang-ok: "Duties Must Be Performed with Commitment to Political Neutrality"

Justice Park Sang-ok, who completed a six-year term, retired on the 7th /

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Park Sang-ok, Supreme Court Justice (65, Judicial Research and Training Institute Class 11), who completed his six-year term and retired on the 7th, urged, "If we quietly fulfill our duties with firm determination toward political neutrality and justice, the foundation for the judiciary's existence will be firmly established based on the trust of the people."

At the retirement ceremony held at the Supreme Court building that morning, Justice Park said, "As the last bastion of human rights, the judiciary's role and mission to protect the constitutional order of liberal democracy and the rights and interests of the people are being demanded more strictly."

He added, "I will also cherish the valuable experience I have accumulated while serving as a Supreme Court Justice and do my best to find ways to contribute to the development of society and the courts and to serve the people."

Below is the full text of Justice Park's retirement address.

Today, I bid farewell as I complete my six-year term as a Supreme Court Justice.

The path to being appointed as a Supreme Court Justice was not easy, and through this process, I deeply reflected on the solemn responsibility and mission of a Justice. Until the last day of my term, I was able to fulfill my heavy duties thanks to the unwavering support from the Chief Justice, fellow Justices, and all members of the judiciary. I take this opportunity to express my respect and gratitude.

When I began my duties as a Justice, I pledged to contribute to the development of the judiciary based on my diverse legal experiences. I also promised to support social integration with an open mind and a listening attitude.

With this resolve and mindset, I have taken "freedom and responsibility" and "truth and justice" as my coordinates, dedicating myself to realizing justice and the rule of law through rational, universally valid conclusions and fair trials. Every moment of this effort has been an infinite honor and fulfillment for me.

At the same time, I sincerely tried not to overlook the small voices and precious untold stories of our society, but I regret that there were parts I could not fully consider. However, my fellow Justices have compensated for my shortcomings, and I expect even more outstanding individuals to continue the duties of a Justice. Therefore, I lay down this burdensome load with a peaceful heart.

We are currently experiencing unprecedented difficulties due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is a time of hardship with an unpredictable future, the judiciary's role and mission to protect the constitutional order of liberal democracy as the last bastion of human rights and to safeguard the rights and interests of the people are being demanded more strictly.

If all members of the judiciary unite with one heart and quietly fulfill their duties with enthusiasm and sincerity, guided by firm determination toward political neutrality and justice, I have no doubt that the foundation for the judiciary's existence will be further solidified based on the trust of the people.

I will also cherish the valuable experience I have accumulated while serving as a Justice and do my best to find ways to contribute to the development of society and the courts and to serve the people.

Finally, I bow my head once again to express my gratitude to the respected Chief Justice, fellow Justices, and all members of the judiciary family who have accompanied me on this six-year journey. I sincerely wish health and happiness to all of you in the days ahead.

Goodbye.

May 7, 2021.

Supreme Court Justice Park Sang-ok

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