Chief Justice Jo Hee-de said at the Supreme Court's New Year opening ceremony in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd that "the eyes and ears of the public are focused on the judiciary," adding, "We are in a heavier and more grave period than ever." He also asked members of the judiciary to "be mindful even of the smallest words and actions."
In his remarks at the ceremony, the chief justice said conflicts and confrontations across society are deepening, raising the public's expectations and demands of the judiciary. He said many cases drawing national attention are awaiting court decisions, and the caseload could increase going forward.
Referring to the introduction of live broadcasts of trial proceedings, the chief justice said it has been rare for public attention to focus so intensely on "a single word or a single act" as it does now. He added a request to "pay particular attention so as not to cause unnecessary misunderstandings or to damage the authority and independence of the judiciary on our own."
On judicial reform under discussion in the National Assembly, the chief justice said that because the matter directly and significantly affects the rights of the public, the entire process will be reviewed carefully and thoroughly so it proceeds in a direction that serves the public. He also said, "We will humbly accept the demands for fair and rational change" and build a judiciary that earns trust.
In criminal justice, he mentioned plans to push improvements to compulsory investigation procedures, including a conditional arrest warrant system and in-person hearings before issuing search and seizure warrants. To ease trial delays, he proposed assigning judges to fact-finding courts over the next five years as their numbers increase, creating panels dedicated to long-pending cases, and operating courts to swiftly handle everyday disputes such as lease conflicts.
The chief justice also emphasized improving judicial services using AI, including research and development of AI-based trial support and sentencing support models, and building the Supreme Court's third information center. He said the planned openings this year of the Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju rehabilitation courts will serve as an opportunity to provide standardized, nationwide specialist insolvency judicial services.
He also unveiled plans to promote the establishment of a family court comprehensive support center that handles family and juvenile cases, and to strengthen the substance of visitation centers that serve guardianship and welfare roles.