Urgent Call for the Prompt Ruling on the Impeachment Trial of President Yoon Suk-YeolThe delay in the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol is exacerbating social unrest. As the ruling date remains unconfirmed for an extended period, concerns have been raised that ideological divisions among Constitutional Court justices are prolonging deliberations. We express deep concern over the prevailing tendency to analyze the individual inclinations of justices in an attempt to predict the trial’s outcome. The Korean Bar Association urges the Constitutional Court to promptly deliver its ruling to prevent prolonged societal turmoil. Furthermore, we emphasize that the Court's decision must be based solely on a strict interpretation and application of the Constitution and the law. For a long time, our society has been divided, marked by confrontation, with dialogue and compromise disappearing, leading to prolonged conflict and discord. Such political and ideological divisions risk undermining the very foundation of the rule of law. Constitutional adjudication is the last bastion of the rule of law. Therefore, Constitutional Court justices must carefully deliberate throughout the proceedings, from hearings to discussions, decisions, and rulings. Regardless of the outcome, our society must respect the Court’s ruling, and the political sphere must also abide by it. As the ruling approaches, both the ruling and opposition parties should make clear their commitment to accepting the decision. The Korean Bar Association hopes that this ruling will serve as an opportunity for democracy and the rule of law in our society to mature further. As an organization dedicated to the protection of fundamental human rights and the realization of social justice, the Korean Bar Association will continue to make every effort to uphold the rule of law. March 28, 2025Korean Bar Association Jung-Wook KIM, President 

Expression of Grave Concern Over the Unprecedented Court Invasion Undermining the Rule of Law and Urging a Through InvestigationIn the early hours of yesterday (January 19th, 2025), around 3 a.m., a group of protesters supporting President Yoon Suk-yeol turned into a mob upon hearing news of a court issuing an arrest warrant. They stormed into the Seoul Western District Court and caused unprecedented damage to its premises, marking an unprecedented act of terrorism against the judiciary.The protesters vandalized various court property, breaking windows and roaming inside the court like outlaws. They even assaulted police officers attempting to stop them, displaying barbaric behavior without hesitation. Particularly shocking was their pursuit of the judge who issued the warrant, seemingly intending to exact personal vengeance. This scene vividly evoked images of a lawless society, making it clear that we were witnessing a historical moment where the foundation of the rule of law was under direct attack.The Republic of Korea is a nation governed by the rule of law, and any threat to the judiciary, which is at the heart of that principle, cannot be justified under any circumstances. Those responsible for this violent attack on the court must face stern legal consequences. The Korean Bar Association expresses grave concern over this extreme violation of the rule of law and urges a swift and rigorous investigation, based on the principle of preemptive detention, against those who attacked the court and endangered the judge's safety.In light of the lingering wounds from the sudden declaration of martial law on December 3 of last year, it is evident that such acts of terror, if repeated, will make it impossible for the people of our nation to maintain their daily lives.The Korean Bar Association also issues a stern warning to the political establishment for exploiting the current climate of extreme confrontation and conflict. Both the ruling and opposition parties must fulfill their duty to restore the normalcy of the Republic of Korea, which has been suffering under this divisive and contentious situation, through cooperative governance. Furthermore, the Korean Bar Association pledges to make every effort to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that undermine the rule of law by closely collaborating with the judiciary.20 January 2025Younghoon KimKorean Bar Association