Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae called on lawmakers to reconsider judicial reform legislation that passed the National Assembly, questioning whether "sudden reforms truly benefit the public."
"I ask that you deliberate once more until the very end whether sudden reform actually helps the people," Cho said Tuesday morning while arriving at the Supreme Court building in Seocho-dong, Seoul.
The remarks came after the National Assembly passed three judicial reform bills covering judicial misconduct penalties, constitutional appeals against court rulings, and expanding the number of Supreme Court justices.
"I fully respect the National Assembly's legislative activities, and the judiciary will fulfill its constitutional mission under any circumstances," Cho said.
The Chief Justice rejected claims that low public trust in the judiciary justified the reforms. He noted that "many countries and even international organizations are seeking to learn from Korea's judiciary and actively requesting exchanges and cooperation."
Cho cited survey data showing South Korean courts enjoy a 47% trust rating compared to 35% for U.S. courts, according to Gallup Korea and other pollsters.
"This does not mean our trust level is high," he acknowledged. "We must work harder to earn trust, but public confidence reflects public expectations, so we need to examine objective indicators carefully."
Cho also criticized what he called unfounded attacks on the judicial system. "I ask the public to consider carefully that disparaging our system without basis or demonizing individual judges over specific rulings is not desirable," he said.
Asked about the delayed nomination to replace outgoing Supreme Court Justice Noh Tae-ak, Cho said consultations with the presidential office are ongoing.
"Since we are currently in discussions, it is difficult for the Supreme Court to comment unilaterally," he said.