[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Representatives of judges nationwide have reportedly requested the Supreme Court to explain whether the recent regular personnel appointments were appropriate.
According to the legal community on the 11th, the National Judges' Representatives Meeting sent an inquiry letter to the Court Administration Office asking whether the criteria for the regular personnel appointments align with existing principles and practices. The inquiry included questions from judge representatives regarding issues such as some court chiefs being continuously appointed beyond their fixed two-year term, and several judges who completed their terms as district court branch chiefs returning directly to the appellate courts (Seoul Central, Eastern, Southern, Northern, and Western District Courts) contrary to established practice.
It appears that the perspective within some parts of the judiciary?that the Supreme Court granted preferential treatment in personnel appointments by placing close associates of Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, including members of the International Human Rights Law Research Association, in key positions?is reflected in the inquiry. A representative of the Judges' Representatives Meeting explained, "No specific personnel were mentioned in the inquiry letter, and requests for explanations regarding personnel matters have been made at every meeting."
The response is expected to be heard at the '2022 First Half Regular Meeting' of the National Judges' Representatives Meeting held at the Judicial Research and Training Institute in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of the same day. Of the 123 judge representatives, 117 attended the meeting either online or offline. Judges are expected to raise issues about the appropriateness of the personnel appointments as outlined in the inquiry letter. The Chief Personnel Review Officer of the Court Administration Office is scheduled to attend the meeting to provide explanations regarding the appointments.
Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo also attended. In his opening remarks, he stated, "Continuous interest and discussion are necessary regarding the methods of trial and the structure of the judiciary at each level to realize good trials," adding, "We must identify the tasks needed for the future judiciary and prepare for them step by step." He further emphasized, "We must also maintain special vigilance against various factors that could undermine judicial independence and devise improvement measures." However, he did not address the judges' inquiries concerning the personnel appointment criteria.
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