Chief Justice Jo Hee-de said on the 31st that the Supreme Court will do its best to fulfill the constitutional mission entrusted by the people through faithful trials in accordance with the law and principles.
In a New Year's address that day, the chief justice said, "In the new year as well, all members of our judiciary will make a fresh start and reflect on ourselves from the public's point of view," adding this.
The chief justice said, "Last year, our society went through a grave phase of martial law and impeachment and took time to deeply reflect once again on the essential values of democracy and the rule of law," adding, "In this process, the public's attention to and expectations for the courts and trials have risen even further."
The chief justice said, "While the judiciary firmly upholds the foundation of the rule of law, we have continuously worked to ensure that the constitutional order can be fully restored through swift and fair trials," adding, "We also take seriously the fact that there are public concerns and worries directed at the courts in this process."
Regarding the ongoing discussion centered on the National Assembly about judicial system reform, the chief justice said, "We will consistently provide sufficient opportunities for discussion and public debate and humbly gather diverse voices from inside and outside the judiciary."
The chief justice said, "This year, in addition to the Seoul, Suwon and Busan bankruptcy courts, the Daejeon, Daegu and Gwangju bankruptcy courts will also open," adding, "Through this, we will provide professional and efficient judicial services in the field of bankruptcy without regional disparities."
He added, "In the new year, we will implement courts and a judicial system that allow the public to feel change and improvement in their daily lives, such as by piloting panels that swiftly resolve legal disputes closely tied to ordinary people's lives, including lease disputes."
The chief justice said, "In the new year as well, all members of our courts will do their part in their respective positions to become a judiciary that earns the public's trust," adding, "We ask for the unwavering support and encouragement of the public so that these efforts by members of the judiciary will bear fruit and the rule of law will take firm root throughout our society."