Professor Kim Jusu, Legal Scholar Who Laid the Foundation for the Abolition of the Hoju System, Passes Away

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Kim Ju-su, Honorary Professor at Yonsei University Law School, who laid the theoretical foundation for the abolition of the Hoju system, passed away on the 19th at the age of 93.

Born in 1928 in Seongcheon, Pyeongannam-do, the late professor graduated from Kyungsung Normal School in 1946 and Seoul National University College of Law in 1953. He earned a master's degree from Seoul National University Graduate School in 1956 and a doctorate from Kyung Hee University in 1970. After receiving his master's degree, he joined Kyung Hee University Law School as a professor and led the founding of the Family Law Society in 1963. In 1964, he published a textbook titled "Family and Inheritance Law," which contained critical perspectives on the existing Civil Code.

After nearly 20 years at Kyung Hee University, he was invited to Sungkyunkwan University in 1974, where he served in the College of Law for about six years. During that time, he actively worked with Dr. Lee Tae-young and others for gender equality and democratization of the family. Notably, after advocating for the abolition of the Hoju system, he was almost forced out of Sungkyunkwan University in 1981 due to backlash from the Confucian community and subsequently moved to Yonsei University. He later retired from Yonsei University and served as an honorary professor, returning to Kyung Hee University in 1994 as a visiting professor.

Professor Kim consistently upheld a philosophy of gender equality in law and is recognized for his decisive contribution to the abolition of same-surname marriage restrictions and the Hoju system, including the constitutional court ruling declaring the Hoju system unconstitutional, starting with his 1957 paper advocating for its abolition.

In March 2005, the amendment to the Civil Code, which centered on the abolition of the Hoju system, passed the National Assembly, marking the fruition of Professor Kim’s efforts.

He published numerous works including "Family and Inheritance Law," "General Principles of Civil Law," "Studies on New Marriage Law," and "Family Relations Studies," and was awarded the Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 1993.

The funeral is being held at Catholic University Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 5. The funeral procession will take place on the 21st.

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