Yoon Joon emphasizes judges' fairness and neutrality in retirement speech

Yoon Jun (64, Judicial Research and Training Institute 16th class) noted in his retirement speech on the 7th, "The fairness of trials and the political neutrality of judges are the foundation of our existence and our reason for being." Yoon retired that day after 35 years as a judge.

During the retirement ceremony held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho District, Yoon stated, "I believe that the fairness of trials and the political neutrality of judges are the foundation and reason for our existence. When (fairness and neutrality) are shaken, external forces such as the political realm inevitably exploit that gap to undermine the court, sometimes even sowing discord between the court and the public and among judges themselves."

Yoon further emphasized, "To protect the courts and judges, the last bastion of democracy, all judges must exercise caution in their trials and actions to ensure that the fairness of trials and political neutrality are not questioned."

Yoon also mentioned the recent intrusion incident at the Western District Court of Seoul. He remarked, "Recently, there were incidents where rioters stormed the court, claiming the trials were unfair, and caused riots. It broke my heart to see the court, where I have dedicated my life, go through such a tragedy." He added, "I wonder if such events would have occurred if the public's trust and love for the courts were unwavering. If the belief in the fairness of trials and political neutrality were as solid as a rock, such incidents would not even have been considered."

Yoon stated, "I am concluding my 35 years in the judiciary and leaving the court. During this time, I have conducted various trials in many regions and have also spent a considerable time in judicial administration. I take this opportunity to apologize to those who may have suffered injustice due to my rulings, and I also express my regrets if my inadequate judicial administration has placed additional burdens on the court members."

Finally, Yoon remarked, "If the court turns a blind eye to changes in the world, it will lag behind and be shunned by the public. We must align with the changes in the world and prepare for 30 or 50 years ahead by reorganizing and advancing trial procedures, court structure, human resource allocation, and civil service systems." He added, "I hope our court becomes one that is more convenient and efficient for the public to use than any court in the world."

Yoon, a native of Haenam, South Jeolla Province, is the son of the late Yoon Kwan, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. After graduating from Korea University with a law degree in 1983, he passed the 26th Judicial Examination the following year and was appointed as a judge at the Gangneung Branch of the Chuncheon District Court in 1990. He later served as a judge at the Suwon District Court, a judge at the Seoul Central District Court, a judicial researcher at the Supreme Court, a Director General at the Seoul High Court, and concurrently served as the Chief Justice's secretary, a president at the Suwon District Court, and a president at the Gwangju High Court. He was appointed as the president of the Seoul High Court in 2023 and completed his two-year term before retiring today.