Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo: "Judicial Scandal as an Opportunity for Thorough Reflection and Reform... New Systems and Culture Are Taking Root"

Kim "Judicial change and reform are for restoring public trust... Please support even if slow"

Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo is delivering a greeting at the 8th Korea Law Day event held at the Supreme Court on the 13th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo of the Supreme Court, reflecting on the judicial administration power abuse incident, stated that new systems and cultures are taking root in the courts, and that efforts are being concentrated to create conditions where the public can receive faithful trials.

In his remarks at the 8th Korea Law Day ceremony held on the 13th, Chief Justice Kim said, "The judicial administration power abuse incident became an opportunity for the judiciary to thoroughly reflect on and reform the infringement of judicial independence from within, and new systems and cultures are gradually revealing their true form and firmly taking root."

Chief Justice Kim cited examples such as the establishment of the equal trial panel system in district and high courts, the expansion of the scope of judgment disclosure and improvement of the internet viewing system, the expansion and activation of video trials, and the introduction of the criminal electronic litigation system.

He emphasized, "These are precious results created by the concerns and practices of judiciary members to firmly support faithful trials and improve the public's accessibility and convenience to the judiciary," adding, "In judicial administration as well, under the clear goal of ‘realizing transparent judicial administration centered on trial support,’ various institutional devices have been prepared to decentralize and check the judicial administration power concentrated in the Chief Justice."

He also revealed that concrete improvements are underway to enhance first-instance trials and improve appellate trial methods. The courts are discussing recommendations for stating reasons in small claims cases, the legalization of the sentencing investigation officer system, and the obligation to submit appeal briefs in civil appeals.

Chief Justice Kim stated, "The changes and reforms of the judiciary are to regain respect and trust from the public," and urged, "While holding a firm belief in our direction of ‘realizing good trials,’ we must humbly reflect on internal and external criticisms and suggestions raised during the process of institutional improvement to fill in shortcomings and achieve greater results."

He added, "The judiciary’s efforts are not for the satisfaction of court members but to always serve the people as the last bastion of fundamental rights protection and to create a court that is with and for the people," and requested, "Even if the judiciary’s changes may still feel slow and fall short of expectations, please look upon the judiciary’s sincere efforts toward fair and just trials with warm eyes and support them."

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