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Kang Yoo-jung, presidential spokesperson, briefs reporters at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on Nov. 11 following a Cabinet meeting earlier that morning. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on Nov. 26 issued his first directive after returning from his Middle East and Africa tour, ordering a strict inquiry and investigation into recent acts he described as “insulting the judiciary.”

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said during a briefing at the Yongsan presidential office that President Lee expressed “strong concern and regret” over explicit personal attacks by certain defense attorneys against judges and what he viewed as obstructionist actions by prosecutors during recent trials.

Lee was referring specifically to courtroom insults made by the defense team of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and the collective walkout by prosecutors during the trial of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young.

Kang said the president stressed that the independence and respect for the judiciary form “the foundation of the separation of powers and of democratic constitutional order,” adding that insults toward judges constitute an act that undermines judicial order and the Constitution. For that reason, she said, Lee instructed that any conduct disrupting courtroom order — including organized walkouts by public prosecutors — be subject to swift and rigorous inspection and investigation based on law and principle.

Kang added that President Lee issued the directive because he believes “respect for the judiciary has been sorely lacking,” noting that prosecutors’ coordinated walkout delayed proceedings and failed to demonstrate proper respect toward the bench. Such behavior, she said, was viewed as undermining the constitutional foundations and values that support the justice system.

Regarding how Lee was informed of the incidents while abroad, Kang said the president “keeps up with the latest news at the fastest possible pace,” suggesting he had been briefed promptly during his overseas trip.