Kim Hyungdu

Kim Hyungdu is a South Korean jurist who has served on the Constitutional Court of Korea since March 31, 2023, succeeding Lee Seon-ae. He is noted for his long judicial career and significant contributions to Korean jurisprudence.

Early life and education

Born on October 17, 1965, in Jeongeup, Kim graduated from and. He entered Seoul National University Law School, where he excelled academically. After passing the bar exam in 1987, he completed the 19th Judicial Research and Training Institute class.
Kim served in the Republic of Korea Air Force as a commissioned officer from 1990 to 1993, achieving the rank of captain before returning to civilian life.

Judicial career

Kim began his judicial career in 1993 as a judge at the Uijeongbu Branch of the Seoul District Court. Over the years, he held various judicial positions, including:

Judge at the Seoul and Daejeon District Courts
Chief Judge at the Jeonju District Court and Seoul Central District Court
Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court and Patent Court

He also engaged in academic research, including stints as a visiting scholar at the University of Tokyo and Columbia University, focusing on bankruptcy law.
As Chief Judge of the Seoul Central District Court in 2009, Kim presided over high-profile cases, such as the bribery trial of former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook. His handling of the case was praised for balancing prosecutorial and defense interests while promoting trial efficiency.

Constitutional Court

In March 2023, Kim was appointed as a justice of the Constitutional Court. His nomination drew mixed reactions, with support for his legal expertise and criticism from labor unions over past administrative decisions.
In April 2025, Kim became acting president of the Constitutional Court following the retirement of Moon Hyung-bae.

Significant Rulings

National Public Officials Act: Voiced concerns about restrictions on appointing individuals punished for possession of child pornography.National Security Act: Supported provisions criminalizing subversive activities.Anti-North Korea Leaflet Ban Act: Opposed restrictions, citing freedom of expression.Military Criminal Act: Upheld provisions penalizing same-sex relations among soldiers as necessary for military discipline.AIDS Prevention Act: Found it constitutional to restrict behavior that risks public health.Political Parties Act: Backed restrictions on regional political parties to mitigate regionalism.

Personal life

Kim Hyungdu is married with two sons. His eldest served in the Air Force, while his youngest was exempted from military service.
Justice Kim's term on the Constitutional Court is set to end on March 30, 2029.