Kim Sung-soo Takes Office as Supreme Court Justice: "The Judiciary Will Uphold Judicial Independence Without Wavering"

[Financial News] Newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Kim Sung-soo said he would ensure that the public could feel that the judiciary is upholding the principle of judicial independence without wavering. His remarks came as the ruling camp continues its attacks on the judiciary's conduct of trials, while the Supreme Court and Cheong Wa Dae remain at odds over the appointment of Supreme Court justices.
At an inauguration ceremony held at the central hall of the Supreme Court of Korea in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st, Justice Kim said, "I will do my utmost in carrying out my judicial duties so that the public can feel and be reassured that the judiciary is steadfastly upholding the principle of judicial independence and quietly fulfilling the grave responsibility entrusted to it by the people, the sovereign."
He also announced three commitments. "I will do my part to help resolve trial delays, which are cited as a cause of distrust in the judiciary," Justice Kim said. He added, "Meaningful results will be possible only when the judiciary's sustained efforts to improve and implement trial procedures are combined with personnel and material support from the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and the government."
He also pledged to guarantee procedural rights. "The Supreme Court should focus on legal reasoning as prescribed by the Constitution and laws, and the findings of fact by the fact-finding courts must be duly respected," he said. "However, if those findings have strayed from the truth because the parties' procedural rights were not properly examined, it may be necessary to correct them as an exception."
He also said he would prepare for new disputes arising from climate change and technological innovation. Justice Kim stated, "I will help prepare by researching and analyzing in advance the impact that technological innovations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots, may have on our society, as well as new types of disputes, so that we can reduce unproductive arguments when disputes arise and present reasonable and consistent standards at an early stage."
He also said, "I extend my sincere respect and gratitude to the Chief Justice and Supreme Court justices who are dedicated to serving the judiciary despite difficult circumstances, as well as to all members of the court family who are quietly fulfilling their duties in their respective positions."
Justice Kim succeeds former Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu, who retired on the 7th. On the 18th of last month, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae nominated Kim to succeed Lee and Judge Son Bong-gi of the Daegu District Court to succeed former Justice Rho Tae-ak. Cheong Wa Dae submitted an appointment-consent request to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea only for Kim and asked that Judge Son be nominated again. Chief Justice Cho has not disclosed his position for more than three weeks, leaving the seat for Rho's successor vacant.  


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