Kim Sanghwan: "I will interpret the Constitution based on fundamental rights, not ideology"
Vows to prevent both the "judicialization of politics" and the "politicization of the judiciary"
Emphasizes clear communication and building public trust through rational dialogue
Kim Sanghwan, nominee for Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, stated, "I will interpret the Constitution not through the ideological lens of conservatism or progressivism, but based on the Constitutional Court's mission of 'guaranteeing fundamental rights and realizing constitutional values.'"
Kim Sanghwan Nominee for Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Confirmation Hearing. Photo by Yonhap News
In his opening remarks at the National Assembly confirmation hearing on July 21, Kim said, "The current Constitution was born out of the sacrifices and dedication of our people, and each provision embodies the earnest wishes of the citizens."
Kim also pledged to guard against both the "judicialization of politics" and the "politicization of the judiciary." He said, "I will always be mindful of concerns in our society about the judicialization of politics and the politicization of the judiciary. I will ensure that trials are conducted solely in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without being swayed by undue external circumstances, so that every citizen can be convinced of this."
He added, "I will make sure that the objective and meticulous reasoning contained in rulings is communicated in language that is easy to understand. I will build public trust through rational communication without asserting unnecessary authority."
Kim also mentioned the impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. He said, "At the end of 2024, our society faced significant questions about the meaning of democracy and the rule of law amid political turmoil caused by martial law and impeachment. Various conflicts arose surrounding the Constitutional Court's deliberations, and amid the intersection of public expectations and doubts, the Constitutional Court justices fulfilled their duties through careful and intense deliberation."
He went on to say, "The Constitutional Court, designed by the current Constitution as the final safeguard to protect the fundamental rights of the people and uphold constitutional values, has become the foundation that enables our citizens to peacefully overcome national crises and once again demonstrate the resilience of democracy."
Kim began his judicial career in March 1994 as a judge at the Busan District Court. Over more than 30 years, he served as the chief judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, a presiding judge at the Seoul High Court, and the chief civil judge at the Seoul Central District Court, before retiring in December last year at the end of his term as a Supreme Court justice.
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