Cho Hee-dae "King Sejong did not use the law as a means to strengthen royal authority"

[Financial News] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized at the international event of the Supreme Court on the 22nd that "King Sejong did not use the law as a means to strengthen royal authority, but as a normative foundation to improve the quality of life of the people and guarantee their rights."
Chief Justice Cho stated in the opening speech of the '2025 Sejong International Conference' held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul that "King Sejong's judicial philosophy, which centered on the people, transcends time and deeply aligns with the values of justice we should aspire to today."
This event was prepared to share King Sejong's legal thoughts with the world and to explore the future of the rule of law and the desirable direction of judicial development. It is the first international event hosted by the Supreme Court in nine years since 2016.
Chief Justice Cho emphasized that "King Sejong, based on the 'people-first ideology' and 'love for the people,' continuously strived to realize a just and fair judiciary for the people."
He continued, "King Sejong ensured that the procedures for handling criminal cases were clearly recorded so that the people would not suffer injustice during investigations and trials, and that cases were not delayed for long periods. He limited torture and excessive punishment to ensure fair and swift trials," explaining that "he consistently practiced the value of respecting human rights in all areas of the judiciary."
Referring to the principles of the creation of Hunminjeongeum, he said, "Hunminjeongeum is a script of justice that protects the lives and rights of the people and an institutional device that embodies the spirit of the rule of law."
Chief Justice Cho further emphasized, "Although times, countries, languages, and systems may differ, the ideal of the rule of law that humanity collectively aspires to is a universal value we share," and "based on these values, we can open a more just and fair society."
He also highlighted that King Sejong valued communication and coexistence, stating, "In the promulgation and enforcement of laws, he sufficiently informed the people," and "before implementing public laws, he gathered public opinion nationwide to reflect the will of the people."
Recently, the ruling party has been urging Chief Justice Cho to resign, citing the 'four-person meeting suspicion,' and is pushing for judicial reform, including the expansion of Supreme Court justices, with a sense of urgency. Although Chief Justice Cho did not make direct or specific comments on this, he is seen to have indirectly expressed his position.

jisseo@fnnews.com Seo Min-ji Reporter