Government reform, judicialization, and the development of public law in the Republic of Korea

This essay reports recent changes in public law with special reference to government reform and the attendant changing role of the judiciary in SouthKorea. We begin with a description of the two topics and their relationship. Next, we trace the government reforms in both the Kim Dae Jung (1997-2002) and Roh Moo Hyun (2002-2007) administrations, focusing on the establishment of mechanisms to enhance transparency and public participation. We then discuss the role of the courts and the phenomenon of judicialization.