Chief Justice Jo Hee-de says martial law authorities 'didn't even provide a list'

Chief Justice Jo Hee-de said on the 6th, during a National Assembly audit of the Supreme Court, that he had "not cooperated at all" with the December 3 martial law declaration last year, which he deemed unconstitutional. He explained that at the time, the Supreme Court's security management officer repeatedly requested personnel and the submission of staff lists, but he ordered: "This is an unconstitutional act, so do not send anyone, and do not hand over any lists." He added, "The Supreme Court was the first of any institution to declare it unconstitutional."

When asked about declining trust in the judiciary, he responded, "At the recent Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, one chief justice announced, citing data from an international organization, that trust in South Korea's judiciary had improved."

He denied allegations that expensive alcohol was purchased during business expense-funded dinners. Chief Justice Jo said, "I have never seen the card, nor have I drunk a single drop of alcohol." He explained that when administrative officials scheduled the dinners, he only attended to offer encouragement, and knew nothing about budget allocation, execution, or the cost of the meals. He noted that staff were reluctant to gather often, so they met occasionally and preferred to try new dishes, adding, "In the process, it seems the spending may have exceeded limits in some cases, but I believe the National Court Administration will correct this going forward so it does not happen again." He went on to say, "I would like to offer my apologies to the people."