Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae: "State Agencies Must Not Overstep or Abuse Power"

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of the Supreme Court stated on the 31st, "What we have recently realized amid national turmoil is that all state institutions must properly exercise the power granted by the people, and must not abuse it by overstepping their authority or evade their service and responsibility to the people."

Cho Hee-dae, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

In his 2025 New Year's address released that day, Chief Justice Cho said, "All power comes from the people, and public officials are servants to the entire populace and bear responsibility to them."

He continued, "Last year, our country experienced intense political conflicts and was engulfed in an uncontrollable whirlpool of chaos due to the year-end martial law and impeachment incidents," but added, "The Republic of Korea demonstrated an unprecedented, swift, and peaceful resilience on a global scale." He further stated, "Although there are considerable challenges and difficulties both domestically and internationally, the great people of Korea possess the strength to wisely overcome crises," and added, "I am confident that if all citizens respect democratic procedures based on the Constitution and the rule of law and unite, we can leap forward into a more mature democratic constitutional state."

Chief Justice Cho said, "The essential mission entrusted to the judiciary by the people is to protect the freedoms and rights of the people through prompt and fair trials and to firmly establish the rule of law in our society," and added, "The judiciary will renew its determination in the new year and fulfill its service and responsibility to the people with humility." He also emphasized again, "By conducting consistent trials in accordance with principles and conscience enshrined in the Constitution and laws, without any prejudice or bias, and in line with common sense, we will ensure the full realization of the rule of law."

Chief Justice Cho concluded his New Year's address by expressing hope that "in the new year, our society will end confrontation and discord and move toward a path of harmony and coexistence."

Additionally, regarding the Muan Airport passenger plane disaster that occurred on the 29th, Chief Justice Cho expressed, "I offer my condolences to all those who lost their lives in the unfortunate aviation accident and extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families."