Chief Justice Jo says courts must be free from undue interference

Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae said Friday that courts must be free from undue interference if they are to uphold the rule of law. Speaking at the 12th Korea Court Day ceremony at the central hall of the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Jo said the judiciary can fully protect the freedoms and rights of the people — and realize the rule of law — only when it conducts trials neutrally and fairly, guided solely by the Constitution and statutes, free from improper interference or influence from other state institutions, political forces, social groups or even the parties to a case.

"Carrying out this constitutional mission without wavering, no matter the difficulties, is the unchanging duty of our judiciary — the last bastion defending the fundamental rights of the people," Jo said. He added that on the occasion of Court Day, the courts would reaffirm that solemn meaning and exercise judicial power solely and properly in the service of the people.

Jo's remarks came as tensions between Cheong Wa Dae and the Supreme Court persist over the nomination of Supreme Court justice candidates.