On March 3, South Korea's Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae responded to widespread concerns regarding public distrust in the judiciary, particularly in connection with the country's judicial reform laws. He emphasized that it is inappropriate to undermine the judicial system without just cause or to demonize judges based on individual rulings. Cho acknowledged that while no system is perfect, there should be respect for the legislative process, and any dramatic transformations must be carefully considered regarding their impact on the public.

During his comments, Cho referenced the ongoing debate about appointing a successor to retiring Supreme Court Justice Noh Tae-ack, noting that the process is somewhat stalled due to differences between the Supreme Court and the Blue House. He insisted that these conversations should remain collaborative rather than unilateral. Amid discussions of reform, he pointed out that despite criticisms, both international organizations and other nations seek to learn from South Korea's judicial practices, highlighting the accuracy of the existing system as a key differentiator.

Cho further defended the judiciary's standing by providing statistical comparisons with other nations, asserting that South Korea's public trust in the legal system stands at about 47%, which is relatively high compared to the United States' 35%. He also highlighted that in global assessments, South Korea ranks 19th in rule of law, specifically noting the quality of its civil justice system. These affirmations, according to Cho, should lead to a better understanding of the judiciary's reliability and the reform's necessity to elevate public trust and expectations.