Supreme Court Nominee Seok Kyung-hwan: "Concerns Over Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge Worth Listening To"

Published 06 Jul.2023 18:29(KST)

Candidate Kwon Young-jun Received 1.8 Billion KRW Over 5 Years from Law Firm for Legal Review Opinion Letter

Supreme Court nominee Seo Kyung-hwan expressed the opinion that he "thinks it is worth listening to" the voices concerned about Japan's discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Kwon Young-jun (left) and Seo Kyung-hwan, Supreme Court Justice nominees [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the legal community on the 6th, Seo responded this way to a written question from Kim Seung-soo, a member of the People Power Party, asking, "What measures and punishments do you think should be taken against those spreading rumors about Fukushima contaminated water?"

Seo stated, "I understand that there is significant social interest, with opinions divided between those opposing due to the dangers of radioactive materials and those supporting due to safety measures eliminating risks," adding, "As a member of the public, I think it is worth listening to concerns that the discharge of contaminated water may infringe upon our people's right to health and the right to live in a pleasant environment." However, he added, "This issue is a highly political matter related to national diplomacy, so I ask for understanding that it is difficult for a Supreme Court nominee to express further personal opinions."

Regarding criticism that trials involving opposition-leaning figures are deliberately delayed, Seo said, "I believe that the trial period should not vary depending on the defendant's political orientation," but also requested, "Please understand that it is not appropriate to make specific remarks."

Supreme Court nominee Kwon Young-joon responded to Kim's question, "What is your stance on concerns that certain ideological research groups within the court are becoming powerful and politicized?" by saying, "It is not appropriate to raise suspicions of ideological bias of judges solely based on their affiliation with specific research groups." However, he added, "From the general principle that 'judges should not even create the appearance of ideological bias,' I think it is necessary to pay attention to the composition and operation of research groups."

Kwon, who is currently a professor at Seoul National University School of Law, was found to have received large sums of money for writing opinions related to international arbitration procedures and litigation upon requests from law firms. According to Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young, Kwon received a total of 1.81 billion KRW from seven law firms between 2018 and 2022. The income amount after deducting necessary expenses was identified as 690 million KRW.

Kwon's side explained, "A large portion of the remuneration came from expert witness activities in international arbitration procedures," and "We understand that the compensation received by the nominee does not exceed the normal range." Lawmaker Jang pointed out, "As a university professor, receiving tens of millions of won per case from law firms and drafting opinions favorable to one party in litigation raises questions about academic ethics."