Nomination of Ma Yong-ju, Chief Judge of Seoul High Court, as New Supreme Court Justice Candidate

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on the 26th nominated Ma Yong-ju, Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court (age 55, 23rd Judicial Research and Training Institute class), as a candidate for the new Supreme Court Justice to President Yoon Seok-yeol.

He is the successor to Justice Kim Sang-hwan, who will retire upon the expiration of his term on the 27th of next month.

Mayongju, Nominee for New Supreme Court Justice

The Supreme Court explained the background of the nomination, stating, "He possesses professional legal knowledge and rational, fair judgment abilities that can faithfully guarantee the people's right to a trial, as well as a firm belief in judicial independence and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, a strong will to protect socially vulnerable and minority groups, insight to understand the changes of the times, inclusiveness that embraces the diverse values of our society, morality that meets the people's expectations, and excellent character."

Judge Ma, who graduated from Nakdong High School and Seoul National University Law School, passed the 33rd Judicial Examination and was appointed as a judge at the Seoul District Court in 1997. He is a traditional judge with extensive knowledge of legal principles and practical skills, having handled civil, criminal, and administrative cases at courts nationwide for about 27 years. He also served as a Supreme Court Judicial Researcher, Senior Judicial Researcher, and Chief Judicial Researcher for a total of six years.

He held positions such as Personnel Management Review Officer and Ethics Auditor at the Court Administration Office. Especially during his tenure as Ethics Auditor, he established the Supreme Court Public Officials Ethics Committee's recommendations on handling cases taken by law firms employing relatives of judges, and criteria for judges' external lecture fees, thereby strengthening judicial ethics and enhancing public trust. He also improved the public officials' asset registration system by strengthening the review of asset registration and tightening disposal standards.

While serving at the Seoul Central District Court, Judge Ma ruled in a lawsuit filed by 253 non-regular workers employed by Hyundai Motor Company's in-house subcontractors against Hyundai Motor Company and the subcontractors, recognizing worker status not only for those directly involved in the production process but also for workers in indirect production processes such as production management.

While serving as Chief Judge at the Seoul High Court, he acknowledged the state's liability for damages and ordered compensation of 190 million won to the bereaved family after it was revealed 50 years later that a soldier who died two days after enlistment had died due to assault.

Once President Yoon submits the appointment consent proposal for Judge Ma to the National Assembly, the National Assembly's personnel hearing and other procedures for selecting the successor to the Supreme Court Justice will officially begin.

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