Former Supreme Court Justice Daehee Ahn: "The Moment a Legal Professional Loses Fairness and Trust, Their Reason for Existence Is Shaken"

On April 13, former Supreme Court Justice Daehee Ahn, who currently serves as a Specially Appointed Chair Professor at the Yeungnam University Law School, took the podium at the law school. This special lecture was part of Yeungnam University Law School's regular course, "Law and Social Responsibility."

Former Supreme Court Justice Daehee Ahn began his career as a prosecutor in 1980 and went on to serve as Director of the Central Investigation Bureau at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Chief Prosecutor of the Busan High Prosecutors' Office, and Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. He served as a Supreme Court Justice from 2006 to 2012. In September 2025, he was appointed as a Specially Appointed Chair Professor at Yeungnam University Law School.

Former Supreme Court Justice Daehee Ahn, who serves as a Distinguished Chair Professor at Yeungnam University, is giving a special lecture at the law school.

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In his lecture titled "The Path of a Legal Professional," Professor Ahn emphasized to aspiring legal professionals, "You must establish firm standards and values as a legal professional. The ability to set unwavering standards and make decisions accordingly, that is what we call the 'legal mind.'" Drawing from his own experiences and reflections as a prosecutor, Supreme Court Justice, and attorney, he shared with students the attitudes and sense of social responsibility that aspiring legal professionals should cultivate, capturing the attention of the audience.

Professor Ahn stated, "A legal professional must be just. The moment you lose fairness and trust in any position, your very reason for existence as a legal professional is also shaken. A good legal professional is not someone who only looks at statutes, but someone who understands social phenomena, empathizes with others, and internalizes the spirit of the times-protecting human rights and the socially disadvantaged-as part of their own values." He continued, "One must uphold principles but guard against dogmatism. When interpreting the law, you must listen to and respect other opinions, and mutual subjectivity toward persuasion and consensus is necessary."

Professor Ahn also remarked, "Learning at law school is not the end, but the beginning. Only through continuous research and study can you accumulate expertise and gain competitiveness as a seasoned expert," and added, "Legal professionals in the era of AI must develop the ability to apply and utilize AI. While using AI as a tool, it is essential to grasp the core of each case and take ownership, as such an attitude will maximize your competence as a legal professional."

Professor Ahn stressed the importance of "handling the law based on common sense and discernment. There should be a distinction between a legal technician and a legal professional, and those who lack the ability to empathize are likely to remain mere technicians. I hope you become genuine legal professionals who know how to empathize," he said, concluding his lecture by sharing his philosophy on the attitude and mindset required of legal professionals.

Professor Ahn previously promised to provide scholarships to the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul at Yeungnam University, which runs a master's degree program to share Korea's development experience with developing countries. His commitment is viewed not just as financial sponsorship, but as a tangible example of "practicing sharing," reflecting his determination to nurture talent capable of addressing global challenges for shared prosperity. This is especially meaningful as it demonstrates the practical fulfillment of the social responsibility that legal professionals should uphold.

Seo Bogun, Dean of Yeungnam University Law School, commented, "Having held key positions in the judiciary, including as a Supreme Court Justice, Professor Daehee Ahn has realized the principles, trust, and justice of the law, and his lecture must have been a great motivation for our students." He continued, "'Law and Social Responsibility' is a course that directly addresses the standards of public interest and sense of responsibility that aspiring legal professionals must possess. We will spare no effort in supporting our students so they can grow not only in professional expertise, but also in the ethics and responsibility required in the legal field."

"Law and Social Responsibility," a new course offered by Yeungnam University Law School from the first semester of the 2026 academic year, is a special lecture series inviting distinguished figures from various fields who have practiced social responsibility, not just legal professionals, to reflect on the public mission and social responsibility of those in the legal profession. The course broadly covers topics such as the public nature of legal professionals, the balance between their social influence and responsibility, and their roles in regional and national development. It aims to foster a sense of responsibility among aspiring legal professionals and enhance their practical understanding of career choices. Classes are held once a week in a relay lecture format, centered on Q&A and open discussion between the speakers and students.

Meanwhile, Yeungnam University Law School recorded the highest number of successful candidates nationwide by producing 10 successful candidates in the new prosecutor selection exam in 2025, and has continued to maintain high pass rates in the bar exam since its establishment, solidifying its status as a top law school.

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