Cho Hee-dae: "Every Word and Action Must Be Carefully Considered to Avoid Undermining the Judiciary's Authority and Independence"

Supreme Court Opening Ceremony Held on the 2nd
"Public Attention Focused on Judiciary... Prompt and Fair Trials Needed"

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated on the 2nd, "The responsibilities of the judiciary are heavier and more serious than ever," urging all members to be especially mindful of their words and actions.

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is speaking at the 2026 Supreme Court Opening Ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Supreme Court

At the opening ceremony held at the Supreme Court that day, Chief Justice Cho said, "As conflicts and confrontations intensify throughout society, the expectations and demands of the people for the judiciary are higher than ever. Many cases that have drawn national attention are awaiting the court's judgment, and the number of such cases will only increase in the future."

Chief Justice Cho remarked, "Looking back, there has never been a time when public interest in the judiciary was low. However, with the introduction of live broadcasts of trial proceedings, it is rare for every word and action of ours to be under such intense public scrutiny as it is now." He earnestly requested, "I sincerely ask all members to be especially cautious with even the smallest words and actions, so as not to cause unnecessary misunderstandings or undermine the authority and independence of the judiciary."

He continued, "2026 will be a year when public expectations and interest in trials will be higher than ever," emphasizing, "Especially in times like these, we must faithfully fulfill our mission of realizing 'prompt and fair trials in accordance with the Constitution and the law,' unwavering in any situation."

Regarding discussions on 'judicial reform,' Chief Justice Cho stressed, "Because the judicial system has a direct and significant impact on the rights of the people, I will carefully and thoroughly review any discussions on judicial system reform to ensure they are conducted in a direction that benefits the people."

He added, "At the same time, I will humbly accept the legitimate and reasonable demands for change for the people and strive to build a judiciary that the public can truly trust."

Chief Justice Cho announced that this year, the judiciary will pursue a variety of agendas and policies, including the introduction of a 'conditional arrest warrant system,' a 'face-to-face hearing system prior to the issuance of search and seizure warrants,' and the expansion of specialized courts, such as the establishment of rehabilitation courts in Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju.

Chief Justice Cho stated, "We take each and every concern and criticism directed at the judiciary recently with utmost seriousness and intend to use them as opportunities for reflection and change. By listening more humbly to the voices of the people and realizing trials and a judicial system where the public can truly feel the changes and improvements, we will respond to your support and encouragement with a sense of responsibility."