Kim Hyungdu | |
|---|---|
김형두 | |
 Kim in 2023 | |
| President of the Constitutional Court of Korea | |
| Acting 18 April 2025 – 23 July 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Moon Hyung-bae |
| Succeeded by | Kim Sang-hwan |
| Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea | |
| Assumed office 31 March 2023 | |
| Nominated by | Kim Myeong-su |
| Appointed by | Yoon Suk Yeol |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1965-10-17)17 October 1965 (age 60) |
| Alma mater | Seoul National University (LLB) |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 김형두 |
| Hanja | 金炯枓 |
| RR | Gim Hyeongdu |
| MR | Kim Hyŏngdu |
Kim Hyungdu[1] (Korean: 김형두; born 17 October 1965) is a South Korean jurist who has served on theConstitutional Court of Korea since March 31, 2023, succeedingLee Seon-ae. He is noted for his long judicial career and significant contributions to Korean jurisprudence.[2]
Born on October 17, 1965, inJeongeup, Kim graduated fromJeonju Nam Middle School [ko] andDongam High School [ko].[3][4] He enteredSeoul 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 theRepublic of Korea Air Force as a commissioned officer from 1990 to 1993, achieving the rank of captain before returning to civilian life.
Kim began his judicial career in 1993 as a judge at theUijeongbu Branch of the Seoul District Court. Over the years, he held various judicial positions, including:
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 formerPrime Minister Han Myeong-sook. His handling of the case was praised for balancing prosecutorial and defense interests while promoting trial efficiency.[5]
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.[6]
In April 2025, Kim became acting president of the Constitutional Court following the retirement ofMoon Hyung-bae.[7]
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.
| Legal offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea 2023–present | Incumbent |
| Preceded byas Acting | President of the Constitutional Court of Korea Acting 2025 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
