Dear members of the Constitutional Court!
I extend my deep gratitude to everyone who attended the farewell address as I conclude my term as a Constitutional Court Justice today.
The fact that I was able to complete my six-year term safely is thanks to the diligent and meticulous Constitutional researchers who reviewed the cases, the seamless administration, beautiful landscape management, thorough security at the court, comfortable office management, and the provision of quality meals, all performed earnestly by the staff of the Secretariat. Above all, the staff in our office allowed me to focus solely on my judicial duties. I sincerely thank you all.
While working as a Constitutional Court Justice, I felt that I had a heavy scale in my heart. I pondered whether the balance of the scale was properly adjusted for each case and sometimes worried whether the place where the scale was set was not tilted.
There were days when my heart was weighed down by the weight of that scale, but I made efforts to ensure that the function of the Constitutional Court, which guarantees the basic rights of the people and safeguards the constitutional order, could be realized without leaning toward one side.
I also tried to remain humble so as not to make the foolishness of judging situations of basic rights violations in various areas based on my limited experience.
Looking back now, I feel regret about what could have been if I had worked more fervently, but I consider it an immense honor to have contributed to guaranteeing the basic rights of the people and safeguarding the constitutional order as a member of the Constitutional Court, and this is all thanks to the justices and everyone present.
State agencies must comply with the Constitution. This is the command of the sovereign people and a prerequisite for the existence of a free democratic state.
When state agencies do not comply with or disregard the Constitution, the order that sustains our society can be shaken.
I ask that our Constitutional Court continue to put forth its utmost effort in protecting the basic rights of the people and maintaining the constitutional order, as it has done until now, so that the normative power of the Constitution is not compromised.
Finally, I confess that all that I am now is due to God's grace. I also want to express my gratitude to my family for understanding my shortcomings and supporting me in my public service. If I have hurt anyone with my words or actions, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize.
As I now leave the Constitutional Court, I promise to ensure that you will not be ashamed that I was a member of the Constitutional Court.
Dear members of the Constitutional Court, thank you for everything during this time.
I wish you all good health and peace.
April 18, 2025
Justice Lee Mi-sun of the Constitutional Court