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| Oh Seok-joon, Supreme Court justice nominee and head of Jeju District Court / Newsis |
By Lee Hyo-jin
Supreme Court justice nominee Oh Seok-joon viewed that the death penalty should be abolished in the long term, saying that he personally does not support the practice in which "the state deprives an individual's right to life."
The 60-year-old chief judge of the Jeju District Court expressed his opinion in response to a written question by a lawmaker, ahead of his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly set for Monday.
"There have been conflicting views surrounding the death penalty for a long time, both of which are supported by valid arguments," he wrote. "Personally, I am not in the position of supporting the practice, which deprives of an individual's right to life in the form of state punishment."
"And considering that an execution cannot be undone in the case of misjudgment, death row should be abolished in the long term through legislative procedures," he added.
Although Korea retains capital punishment, it has not actually executed a criminal for the last 25 years, after the last execution took place in 1997 when 23 convicted murderers were hanged.
Meanwhile, Oh cautiously viewed that the National Security Act, one of the most politically divisive legislations here, should be maintained. Enforced in 1948, the anti-communist law prohibits any activities attempting to support, praise or propagandize North Korean ideals.
In response to a question whether the law should be abolished, Oh replied, "It is up to the National Assembly to make the decision. As an acting judge, it seems reasonable for me to respect the law, which has been ruled constitutional by the Constitutional Court."
But he added that the law should not be used to excessively restrict fundamental rights.
Oh will be officially assigned to the post if he clears the parliamentary confirmation hearing, which would be followed by a formal appointment by the president. In Korea, all 14 Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president upon the consent of the National Assembly.
If appointed, Oh will replace Kim Jae-hyung, a Supreme Court judge who is set to retire on Sept. 5.
