Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae arrives for work at the court as the ruling Democratic Party was set to introduce a bill the same day to establish a special tribunal for insurrection cases linked to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed imposition of martial law in Seoul, South Korea, 22 December 2025. Photo by YONHAP /EPA
Dec. 31 (Asia Today) — Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said the judiciary will seek to ensure court system reforms benefit the public as debate over judicial changes continues in the National Assembly.
In a New Year’s address released Wednesday, Cho said the courts will “reflect from the public’s perspective” and deliver decisions “based on law and principle.” He added the judiciary will act responsibly so reforms move in “the most necessary and desirable direction” from the standpoint of citizens.
Cho said 2025 brought a major social crisis involving an emergency declaration and impeachment, prompting renewed reflection on democracy and the rule of law. He said public interest and expectations toward courts and trials have grown, and he acknowledged concerns raised about the judiciary.
He said the judiciary will prepare to open additional rehabilitation courts in Daejeon, Daegu and Gwangju to provide more specialized bankruptcy services without regional disparities, expanding opportunities for faster rehabilitation for businesses and individuals under economic strain.
Cho also said expanded staffing and budget will allow further support for expedited trials and initiatives aimed at ensuring courts free of discrimination for socially vulnerable groups. He said the judiciary plans to pilot specialized courts to resolve disputes closely tied to daily life, including lease conflicts.
He said the judiciary will continue to broaden access to justice based on the next-generation electronic litigation system and criminal electronic litigation system launched this year.
Cho said overseas participants at a 2025 Sejong International Conference expressed admiration for South Korea’s rule-of-law philosophy, and he said the judiciary will seek closer international cooperation through the Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference scheduled for September 2026.
Separately, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Kim Sang-hwan said in his own New Year’s address that 2025 led South Koreans to reconsider the meaning of the Constitution, citing Article 1’s principle that sovereignty resides with the people. He pledged to conduct constitutional adjudication fairly and independently to meet public expectations.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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