[New Year's Address] Cho Hee-dae: "We Take the Public's Concerns About the Judiciary Seriously"

Yonhap News Agency

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated in his New Year's address, "We take seriously the concerns and worries that the public has about the judiciary."

On December 31, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said, "The judiciary has steadfastly upheld the foundation of the rule of law and has continuously strived to fully restore constitutional order through prompt and fair trials." He continued, "In the coming year, all members of our judiciary will renew our commitment to self-reflection from the public's perspective and will do our utmost to fulfill the constitutional mission entrusted to us by the people through faithful trials based on law and principle."

This statement was made in reference to the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment situation, and is interpreted as reflecting awareness of the controversy surrounding the cancellation of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention and the court handling the 'insurrection leader' case.

Regarding judicial reform, including increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, which is being promoted mainly by the ruling party, Chief Justice Cho said, "We will continue to ensure sufficient discussion and public debate, and will humbly listen to the diverse voices both inside and outside the judiciary." He added, "We will take even greater responsibility to ensure that the judicial system is reformed in the most necessary and desirable direction from the perspective of the sovereign people."

He also outlined improvements in judicial services and achievements in judicial diplomacy, including: the launch of the next-generation electronic litigation and criminal electronic litigation systems this year; the opening of rehabilitation courts in Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju in March next year; and the 20th Asia-Pacific Chief Justices' Conference scheduled for September next year.

Chief Justice Cho stated, "Despite the challenging national fiscal conditions, the judiciary's personnel and budget have been significantly expanded thanks to the continued interest and support of the National Assembly, the government, and the public." He added, "This has enabled us to further strengthen not only institutional support for prompt trials, but also projects to realize a court free of discrimination for the socially disadvantaged."

He went on to say, "In the new year, we will implement pilot courts to promptly resolve legal disputes closely related to citizens' daily lives, such as lease disputes, so that changes and improvements in trials and the judicial system can be felt in everyday life."

He concluded, "In the new year, all members of our judiciary will do their utmost in their respective roles to become a judiciary trusted by the people. I ask for your continued support and encouragement so that the rule of law can take firm root throughout our society."