Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Meets President Lee: "Judicial System Reform Should Undergo Public Deliberation"... Expresses Reservations

At a meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and the heads of the five constitutional institutions, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae called for deliberation and public discussion regarding judicial system reform. During the luncheon held at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building on the 3rd, attended by President Lee and representatives of the executive and legislative branches, Chief Justice Cho expressed a reserved stance on key judicial reform issues, such as the Special Panel for Insurrection Cases, the expansion of the number of Justices of the Supreme Court of Korea, and the abolition of the National Court Administration, which are being promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Chief Justice Cho stated, "Because the judicial system plays a crucial role in protecting citizens' rights and maintaining social order, it is desirable that sufficient discussion and a process of public deliberation be undertaken before any changes are made." He also referenced the three-tier court system and clearly expressed his opposition to the introduction of the Judicial Review Petition.
He remarked, "Of course, it is unlikely that all citizens will agree with the judiciary's decisions," adding, "However, the legitimacy and trust in individual rulings can be ensured, as each case is ultimately decided through a thorough review and procedure within the institutional framework of the three-tier court system as stipulated by the Constitution and the law." He further requested, "Please pay close attention so that the ongoing judicial system reform discussions can proceed in a direction that benefits the people."
Speaker Woo and Prime Minister Kim suggested that trials related to martial law should proceed swiftly. Speaker Woo emphasized, "Trials must be conducted promptly and strictly to alleviate public anxiety," and added, "This should serve as the foundation for ushering in an era of national unity." He also presented President Lee with a Commemorative Plaque, which was made for the 190 lawmakers who participated in the resolution to lift martial law.
Prime Minister Kim stated, "It is thanks to the people that those of us who were mostly subject to arrest are now here unharmed," and continued, "We must not forget that eradicating the roots of insurrection and restoring the nation in all fields—legislative, judicial, and executive—is the historical mission of constitutional institutions."
He further stressed, "If we fail to fulfill this mission, it would be as if we are not truly alive, and we would not deserve to hold our positions for even a moment. The delay in the insurrection trials is increasing public concern. I hope that all constitutional institutions here today will reaffirm their commitment to this historic responsibility."
Kim Sang-hwan, President of the Constitutional Court of Korea, expressed gratitude to the people for standing against the shocking violations of democracy and the rule of law, and pledged, "The Constitutional Court of Korea will do its utmost to fulfill its fundamental role of protecting the basic rights of the sovereign people." No Tae-ak, Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC), stated, "Even amid unprecedented turmoil, the NEC did its best to ensure the fairness of the 21st presidential election," and vowed, "We will continue to faithfully carry out our constitutional duty to realize popular sovereignty."

rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter