Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae: "Courts Must Not Be Subject to Interference from Political Power"

[Financial News] Supreme Court of Korea Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized that the courts must not be subject to undue interference or influence from political power. This remark comes amid the ongoing conflict surrounding Cheong Wa Dae's demand for the re-nomination of Supreme Court justice candidates.
Chief Justice Cho stated at the 12th Republic of Korea Court Day ceremony held at the Central Hall of the Supreme Court of Korea in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 11th, "The courts, as independent state institutions under the Constitution, can fully guarantee the freedom and rights of the people and realize the rule of law only when they adjudicate neutrally and fairly in accordance with the Constitution and laws, without receiving undue interference or influence from other state institutions, political powers, social forces, or even the parties to the lawsuit."
Chief Justice Cho traced the path taken by the judiciary, stating, "From the early days of the government's establishment, through the turbulent periods of industrialization and military rule, to democratization, the independence of the judiciary has been constantly tested amid various pressures and interference." He added, "Fulfilling this constitutional mission without wavering is the unchanging duty entrusted to our judiciary, which serves as the last bastion protecting the fundamental rights of the people," and declared, "The court will exercise judicial power correctly solely for the sake of the people."
Chief Justice Cho did not directly mention pending issues, including the nomination of Supreme Court justices, in his commemorative address. However, by repeatedly emphasizing independence from political power, he is interpreted as indirectly revealing his perspective on the recent situation. The National Court Administration is reviewing response measures following Cheong Wa Dae's request for a re-nomination of a successor to former Justice Rho Tae-ak. It is anticipated that the review will be prolonged as the schedule overlaps with events such as the Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific next week.
Chief Justice Cho urged members of the court, stating, "There are an increasing number of cases where social conflicts and extreme confrontations lead to trials," and added, "The more acute the conflict, the more steadfastly the court must fulfill its assigned role in accordance solely with the law and principles." He further stated, "We will continue to devise practical support measures so that members of the court can focus on their work with peace of mind."
At the ceremony held on this day, a commendation from the Chief Justice was posthumously awarded to the late Shin Jong-o, a former High Court Judge of the Seoul High Court, who passed away last May. Chief Justice Cho stated, "I wish to remember a judge who fulfilled his duties with an unwavering sense of mission and responsibility," adding, "We will never forget the dedication and will of the deceased, who always deeply contemplated matters from the perspective of the people."
Court Day was established by the judiciary in 2015 to commemorate the transfer of judicial power from the U.S. military government on September 13, 1948. The 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, to be held in Korea for four days starting on the 16th, will be attended by chief justices and justices from approximately 40 countries, as well as representatives from around 10 international organizations. Korea will become the first country to host this conference three times, following the 1999 and 2011 conferences.
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