On 22 and 23 September 2025, Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court ("ICC"), visited the Republic of Korea to attend the 2025 Sejong International Judicial Conference, upon invitation by the Supreme Court of Korea.
Speaking on the issue of the rule of law, the President set out the accomplishments of the ICC in enforcing fundamental norms of international law and the challenges that it faces. She stated: "we are at a turning point where our commitment to the rule of law is being tested. We must faithfully carry out our respective functions as guardians of the rule or law. For legal practitioners, this means carrying out or judicial duties without any fear or favour, despite external pressures. I am confident that if we take determined action together, we can collectively strengthen the rule of law at the international level."
During the visit, the President had bilateral meetings with H.E. Mr. Jung Sung-ho, the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Korea, and H.E. Ms. Kim Jina, Second Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. President Akane expressed the Court's appreciation for Korea's longstanding and firm support for the Court as a key State Party from the Asia-Pacific region. In view of the escalatory threats against the Court, the President requested the Republic of Korea to continue to support and unite with other States in defence of the Court. President Akane discussed with Minister Jung and Vice Minister Kim various ways to further enhance cooperation between the Court and the Republic of Korea.
