Kim Sang-hwan, president of the Constitutional Court, said at a New Year's kickoff ceremony on the 2nd that, after last year's presidential impeachment trial, the court reflected on the meaning and value of the Constitution, and said it would "disclose transparently to the public the process, results, and meaning of constitutional adjudication and communicate faithfully."
Kim said, "In 2025, which many thought would never be repeated, the presidential impeachment case proceeded amid extreme social division and conflict," and "the public once again reflected deeply on the essential meaning and value of the Constitution."
Kim said trust in the Constitutional Court begins when both the parties and the public recognize and accept its judgments as objective and fair.
To that end, the court will faithfully hear the parties' opinions and expand opportunities for a full presentation of diverse views from relevant experts. Kim also said there is a need to further activate fact-finding and on-site visits, as well as public hearings.
Kim said the court will expand its research staff and diversify its makeup, while strengthening the institutional foundation so that broad data collection and in-depth investigation are possible. He also said it is as important to "transparently disclose the process and results and deliver them in a way the public can easily understand" as it is to conduct good trials.
Kim also laid out tasks to broaden public understanding of the Constitution and constitutional adjudication. Mentioning the codification of the Constitutional Court library and expanding public services at the exhibition hall, he said the court would establish the necessary systems and spaces by bolstering related organizations and professional staff.
Finally, Kim urged internal communication, saying that "if we lower our boundaries a bit and broaden our understanding," diverse perspectives and expertise can naturally blend.