President Lee says rule of law must hold firm in AI era, praises bar association's role

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called on the legal community to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens' fundamental rights amid rapid advances in AI and sweeping social change.

Lee sent a congratulatory address to the 34th Lawyers' Conference for the Rule of Law, held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, expressing "sincere respect and gratitude" to lawyers working to protect citizens' freedoms and rights and to give voice to the vulnerable. The address was read on his behalf by Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs Han Chan-sik.

"As president of the Republic of Korea and as a legal professional myself, I find today's theme — guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights amid changes to the judicial system — both welcome and timely," Lee said.

He described the current moment as "a period of upheaval in which AI and digital technology are advancing at breakneck speed and social structures are transforming on multiple fronts," and said disputes and conflicts that existing institutions struggle to resolve are growing as a result. "At times like these, the law must serve both as a guide pointing the direction society should take and as a universal principle that must be upheld without wavering," he said.

Lee particularly highlighted the weighty mission of the Korean Bar Association, saying the organization has long led efforts to defend the rule of law and citizens' fundamental rights in South Korea. "I trust you will redouble your efforts to ensure that no citizen is left to suffer injustice without recourse, and that everyone has access to fair legal services," he said.

He expressed hope that Monday's gathering would serve as a forum for sharing practical solutions that citizens can feel and for pooling the wisdom of lawyers, and wished the Korean Bar Association continued growth and all attendees good health.

The event was attended by Korean Bar Association President Kim Jeong-uk, Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Kim Sang-hwan and lawyers from across the country.