94% of Seoul Lawyers Support Expanding Disclosure of Judgment Documents

[Financial News] The Korean Bar Association (KBA) conducted a survey on the disclosure of judgment documents among lawyers in Seoul, revealing that the vast majority support expanding disclosure.
On the 18th, the KBA released the results of a survey conducted from September 8 to 14 among practicing lawyers affiliated with the Seoul Bar Association. The online survey attracted 2,095 participants, who responded to 14 questions in both multiple-choice and open-ended formats.
According to the results, 94.2% of all respondents stated that the scope of judgment document disclosure should be broadened beyond the current level. The main reasons cited were the principle of public trials under the Constitution and the public’s right to know (34.9%), reference for litigation purposes (30%), and contribution to fair trials (24.1%). Additionally, 10.6% said it would aid the development of AI and big data-based legal tech.
Regarding the disclosure of the names and affiliations of attorneys representing parties in judgment documents, 61.9% were in favor, compared to 37.0% opposed. Supporters cited greater accountability in legal representation (34.9%) and the need to provide information for the public’s right to know (35.8%). However, the preferred approach was to disclose such information in principle but allow exceptions upon lawyer request. Opponents expressed concerns about potential stigmatization of attorneys involved in certain cases (39.2%) and the risk of commercial misuse of lawyer information (32.1%).
A proposal to differentiate the disclosure scope of judgment documents between non-lawyers and lawyers received 55.9% support. The most common opinion (36.5%) was that mass collection for commercial purposes should be restricted, and the most favored disclosure method (37.6%) was to provide judgment documents only to lawyers, keeping them inaccessible to the general public.
Regarding the current 'on-site viewing' system, 94.8% of respondents said improvements are needed. The most popular suggestion (40.4%) was to introduce a separate authentication system for lawyers to allow online access. Another significant portion (27.6%) supported expanding the number of physical viewing locations to include all levels of courts.
The KBA stated, "Lawyers support expanding the scope of judgment document disclosure and comprehensive reform of the disclosure system to ensure fairness and transparency in judgments," adding, "We will make multifaceted efforts to balance the public’s right to know with lawyers’ right to defense."
scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter