Kim Hyung-doo (58, Judicial Research and Training Institute class of 19), a nominee for Constitutional Court Justice, expressed his position on the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's third-party compensation plan for forced labor victims, stating that "the most important thing is to respect the views of the victims themselves."
According to the legal and political circles on the 26th, Kim stated in his written response to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee that "our country suffered many losses during the 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, and the forced labor victims are those who directly suffered damages, so compensation for the damages is necessary." He added, "I believe that the public's opinions should be fully collected and the decision should be made carefully and rationally."
However, he added, "As a nominee for Constitutional Court Justice, I hope you understand that it is not appropriate to disclose more detailed views on the methods of compensating forced labor victims."
Regarding the recent school violence incident involving the child of lawyer Jung Soon-shin, who was dismissed from the National Investigation Headquarters, Kim expressed the view that "measures should be taken within the school to ensure that the victim's suffering is not aggravated while the offending student files a lawsuit." He said, "From the perspective of guaranteeing the right to file a lawsuit, it is difficult to block the offending student's administrative litigation," but added, "If there is a concern that the litigation will prolong the period for remedying the victim's damages, the best measures should be taken within the school."
On the recently upheld 'Prosecution Reform' law at the Constitutional Court, he expressed a general position that "regardless of the interests between the police and prosecution, experts' and the public's opinions should be fully collected and decisions should be made rationally, and sufficient discussions to form public consensus are necessary." Regarding this issue as well, he added, "As a nominee for Constitutional Court Justice, it is not appropriate to disclose more detailed views on matters already decided."
When asked to evaluate the candlelight protests, he said, "It is a way for the people to express their will as sovereigns through peaceful means," and added, "The presidential impeachment candlelight protests were assemblies that led to the impeachment resolution and trial by the will of the sovereign people, clearly demonstrating the people's most solemn will."
He also expressed the opinion that the number of judges should be increased to ensure faithful trials. He urged the National Assembly to promptly review the bill for increasing the number of judges.
Regarding the interest-free loan he gave to his mother, Kim explained, "My mother lent me money because she did not have the financial means to bear the additional contribution of about 630 million won due to the reconstruction of her apartment, as well as the resulting loan interest and principal repayments, property tax, and comprehensive real estate tax." He added, "I am considering paying gift tax for the part where interest was not received. I apologize."
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