Cho Hee-dae: "The Public's Concerns Are Grave... We Will Strive to Reform the Judicial System in the Right Direction" [New Year's Address]

[Financial News] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated, "From the perspective of the sovereign people, I will make even greater efforts to ensure that the judicial system is reformed in the most necessary and desirable direction."
In his New Year's address on the 31st, Chief Justice Cho said, "While the judiciary has strived to firmly uphold the foundation of the rule of law and to fully restore the constitutional order through swift and fair trials, we also gravely acknowledge the concerns and worries the public has toward the courts during this process."
This remark is interpreted as reflecting public concerns over the judiciary's actions following the declaration of Martial Law on December 3 last year, as well as the ongoing judicial system reform efforts led by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. It suggests an intention to accept public criticism and calls for judicial reform, while reaffirming the judiciary's role.
Chief Justice Cho further stated, "Going forward, we will continue to provide ample opportunities for discussion and public debate, and humbly listen to the diverse voices both inside and outside the judiciary."
He described this year in Korean society as "a time to deeply reflect on the essential values of democracy and the rule of law, as we have gone through the grave phases of Martial Law and Impeachment."
He noted, "Public interest in trials has increased," and pledged, "In the new year, we will continue to reflect on ourselves from the public’s perspective and do our utmost to fulfill our constitutional mission entrusted by the people through faithful trials based on law and principle."
Chief Justice Cho identified the expansion of Rehabilitation Courts and the enhancement of access to trials as key tasks for next year's judicial system reform. He indicated that the opening of additional Rehabilitation Courts in Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju, as well as the digitalization of judicial services, will improve public convenience in utilizing the judicial system.
He added, "We will implement pilot courts to swiftly resolve disputes closely related to everyday life, such as lease disputes, so that the public can experience tangible changes and improvements in trials and the judicial system. Each of us will fulfill our duties to ensure the judiciary regains the public's trust."
scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter