고대 헌법학 120년, 현재와 미래

Since its founding as Bosung College in 1905 with departments of law and commerce, Korea University has been at the forefront of modern legal scholarship. Today, on the occasion of its 120th anniversary, it is no exaggeration to say that one cannot speak of legal studies in the Republic of Korea without acknowledging the central place of Korea University Law. The same holds true for constitutional law. In 1905, institutions teaching law other than Bosung College were rare, whereas today there are dozens of universities and twenty-five law schools nationwide. Yet the tradition of legal scholarship at Korea University remains firm and unshaken. In the field of constitutional law, in particular, Korea University continues to lead—not only in academic development that even Yonsei University and Seoul National University find difficult to match, but also in providing constitutional-theoretical alternatives during moments of national crisis. The growth and development of constitutional scholarship at Korea University form a solid foundation for addressing even greater constitutional challenges in the future. In the short term, Korea University constitutional scholars have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the Tenth Constitutional Amendment proceeds in the right direction. In the long term, they will also occupy a central position in the process of Korean reunification and the drafting of a unified constitution. To achieve this, however, Korea University constitutional law must not remain complacent despite its remarkable progress. Its foundation must be broadened through the continued nurturing of future generations of scholars, and closer, more cohesive collaboration among constitutional scholars—especially within the Anam Law Association—must be fostered. On such a foundation, Korea University will continue to serve as a cornerstone in the advancement of constitutional development in the Republic of Korea. At present, constitutional law at Korea University may rightly be considered to be in its greatest period of prosperity since the era of Dr. Yu Jin-oh, who drafted the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and established the central position of Korea University in constitutional scholarship. Yet, there are also grounds for concern. First, the importance of cultivating the next generation of scholars cannot be overstated. Should we fail in this task, the future of Korea University’s constitutional law will fade and decline. The identification, training, and active support of outstanding young scholars are more urgent now than ever. Second, the continued growth and advancement of Korea University’s School of Law are essential. It is only upon the strong foundation of a law school that leads the nation’s legal education that Korea University’s constitutional law—and its many other fields of legal study—can sustain their prominence. Third, the organic network among Korea University’s constitutional law scholars must be further strengthened, maximizing synergy through inter-disciplinary cooperation and exchange. No one can master every field of constitutional law, and it is by harmonizing each scholar’s strengths that Korea University’s constitutional scholarship derives its greatest power. Just as the earth hardens after rain, I firmly believe that through overcoming these challenges, Korea University constitutional law will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.