Honorable fellow citizens!

As we welcome the year 2013 with renewed hope, the dedicated staff of the judiciary and I send our warmest greetings to all of you. It is my sincere wish that you will realize everything that you set out to achieve in the New Year and that your homes are filled with joy and happiness.

The year 2013 holds special meaning as it marks the inauguration of a new government. I hope this will be a year where all of the people come together and join hands to address with wisdom the challenges that lie before us as we advance towards peace and prosperity with a new President.

Dear fellow citizens,

Based on the belief shared by each member of the judiciary that our very existence depends on the confidence of the people we serve, we are striving to gain your trust. Under the slogan Open Courts Communicating with the Public, we are maintaining various channels of communication for use both within and outside of trial procedures. These efforts are aimed at bringing the Court to the People, and the People to the Court. In 2013, I sincerely hope that our commitment to gain the public’s trust will be deeply felt by the people, bringing the courts and the people closer together in a spirit of warmth.

Esteemed fellow citizens!

Our judiciary system and procedures have continued to evolve over time. Today, I, along with the public at large, am proud that our judiciary is recognized by leading international research institutes as one of the world’s most advanced systems par excellence. However, I am also well aware that we have much more work to do to meet the expectations and needs of our people.  In 2013, we will remain steadfast in our dedication to respect the dignity and value of each individual based on the intrinsic constitutional principle of the rule of law, while helping to construct a society of unity and prosperity. Through these efforts, we will shape the judiciary into an organization that is trusted and beloved by the people.

We ask you, the people, to understand our earnest efforts to fulfill our mission under the Constitution built upon the public’s solid trust. Please continue to share with us your interest and encouragement so that our efforts may bear fruit. 

I wish you great fortune in the New Year.

Best wishes,

 
January 1, 2013

YANG Sung-Tae

The Chief Justice