What Is the ‘Uri Law Research Association’ Shaking Up the South Korean Judiciary? A Thorough Analysis of Its Influence and Conflict with Conservatives

Introduction: The Liberal Influence Shaping South Korea’s Judiciary

Have you ever heard of the organization called “Uri Law Research Society (우리법연구회)”?
This group is a liberal-leaning association of legal professionals that has had significant influence within South Korea’s judicial community.

In recent years, the appointment of judges associated with this group has become a major issue
in cases such as the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the legal proceedings involving
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

This article explains the background of the organization’s founding, its ideology,
and its relationship with politics, while analyzing the impact it has had on Korean society.

1. What is the Uri Law Research Society?

The Uri Law Research Society was a progressive and liberal legal organization in South Korea,
founded in 1989 and dissolved in 2018.
The word “Uri” means “we” in Korean, reflecting the group’s focus on pursuing fairness and justice in society.

Its formation was influenced by the June 29 Declaration of 1987,
which marked South Korea’s transition from military rule to a democratic system.
The group was established with the goal of strengthening judicial independence,
upholding the rule of law, and protecting the rights of citizens.

Originally, the organization began in the mid-1970s as a small study group
within the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
Members gathered around a senior professor for study sessions and discussions.

The group was led by a professor who graduated from Gwangju First High School,
a minority background within the legal community at the time.
Lawyers from the Honam region and those connected to the democratization movement
gradually formed the core of the group, which evolved into an influential academic circle
with growing connections to progressive political circles.

2. The Ideology of the Uri Law Research Society: Who is the Judiciary For?

Members of the Uri Law Research Society held strong reflections on the past,
when the judiciary had been used as a tool of authoritarian governments during the military regime.

They viewed the law not as “a tool of state power”
but as “a means to protect citizens’ rights and realize social justice.”
Through judicial reform, they sought to redefine the role of the law in society.

Historical Examples

• During the military regime, the National Security Law was often abused to suppress pro-democracy activists and civil society leaders.
• In the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement, citizens faced violent military suppression and many lives were lost.
• Under Emergency Decrees, even criticism of the government could result in long prison sentences, and the judiciary frequently delivered rulings aligned with the wishes of the regime.

Based on these historical experiences, the group argued that
“the judiciary should serve not to maintain state power,
but to protect the freedom and rights of citizens.”

3. The Roh Moo-hyun Administration and the Uri Law Research Society

The influence of the group was strongest during the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun.
Roh himself was associated with the organization,
and during his presidency many members were appointed to key judicial positions,
including Minister of Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This period saw rapid progress in judicial reform.
However, some members of the group also spoke openly about relations with North Korea.

In particular, founding member Lee Gi-baek drew strong criticism from conservative groups
after making remarks praising North Korean leader Kim Il-sung.

4. Conflict with Conservatives: Judicial Neutrality

Since the 1990s, the organization has continued to exert significant influence within South Korea’s judiciary,
but its progressive orientation has drawn criticism from conservative groups.

Its influence has been noted in cases such as the impeachment trial of former President Park Geun-hye
and rulings involving major corporations.
During the Moon Jae-in administration,
legal professionals connected to the group were appointed to key positions
in the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

5. Ongoing Debate: The Impeachment Trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol

Recently, the impeachment proceedings involving President Yoon Suk Yeol
and the election law violations case involving Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung
have once again raised questions about the influence of legal professionals
associated with the Uri Law Research Society.

Some justices of the Constitutional Court are also former members of the group,
leading to debates over their political leanings and judicial neutrality.

6. The Future of the Uri Law Research Society

Although the influence of the organization has weakened compared to the past,
it still holds an important place within South Korea’s legal and political landscape.

Debates over judicial independence and political neutrality in South Korea
are likely to continue in the years ahead.

Your Opinion Matters

What do you think about the influence of the Uri Law Research Society?
How should political neutrality within the judiciary be ensured?
Please share your thoughts in the comments section.