The National Assembly’s special committee on personnel on Friday approved Supreme Court Justice nominee Kim Jae-hyung.

The committee said in a report that Kim is an expert in civil law who is well-versed in legal theories, as demonstrated by how he has authored various books annotating precedents. He also has experience in courts as he has served as a judge.

It also noted that he carries “balanced values and philosophies such as in history.” The committee also praised his wish to continue his academic activities rather than open a private practice upon his retirement.

Since his nomination, Kim has expressed his support for the National Security Law and alternative services for faith-based draft objectors. He has also called for the abolition of capital punishment in written answers to questions during his parliamentary hearing.

Kim, currently a professor at Seoul National University’s School of Law, said that the National Security Law is still crucial for a country in consistent military confrontation with the North and that its pitfalls have been considerably reduced in its interpretation and enforcement through revisions.

The committee, however, pointed out that while he did not show any significant “ethical lapses,” his past work with a large law firm in exchange for “large” compensation as a professor at a national university could be considered inappropriate. His relatively lack of experience in criminal law was also noted.

Kim was nominated on July 21 to replace retiring Justice Lee In-bok next month.

Kim will be officially named to the post after the Assembly’s plenary session endorses the committee’s report, to be followed by the president’s formal appointment.

A native of Imsil, North Jeolla Province, Kim graduated from Seoul National University’s School of Law before passing the bar exam. He served as a civil court judge in Seoul from 1992 to 1995. Since 1995, he has moved to his alma mater, and researched and lectured on the civil code.

He is to be the second professor-turned-justice at the Supreme Court since former Justice Yang Chang-soo, who served between 2008 and 2014 before returning to the academia. 

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)